,,little ,,nettie4 ,illustration3 ,,mr4 ,,mathieson ,,stalked ,,out ,,of ,,the ,,house ,,and ,,strode ,,along ,,the ,,road4 ,,little ,,nettie2 ,,or1 ,,home ,,sunshine4 ,,by ,,the ,,author ,,of ,,the ,,wide1 ,,wide ,,world1 ,,etc41 ,,etc4 ,,london3 ,,frederick ,,warne ,,co4 ,,and ,,new ,,york4 ,,contents4 ,,chapter ,,page ,i4--,saturday ,evening's ,work #e ,,ii4--,sunday's ,rest #bc ,,iii4--,nettie's ,garret #eg ,,iv4--,the ,brown ,cloak in ,november #fg ,v4--,the ,new ,blanket #gg ,,vi4--,the ,house-,raising #hh ,,vii4--,the ,waffles #ig ,,viii4--,the ,golden ,city #aae ,,little ,,nettie2 ,,or1 ,,home ,,sunshine4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,saturday ,,evening',s ,,work4 ,tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother4-- ,prov4 iv4 #c4 ,down in a little hollow1 with the sides grown full of wild thorn1 alder bushes1 and stunted cedars1 ran the stream of a clear spring4 ,it ran over a bed of pebbly stones1 showing every one1 as if there had been no water there1 so clear it was2 and it ran with a sweet soft murmur or gurgle over the stones1 as if singing to itself and the bushes as it ran4 ,on one side of the little stream a worn footpath took its course among the bushes2 and down this path1 one summer's afternoon1 came a woman and a girl4 ,they had pails to fill at the spring3 the woman had a large wooden one and the girl a light tin pail2 and they drew the water with a little tin dipper1 for it was not deep enough to let a pail be used for that4 ,the pails were filled in silence1 only the spring always was singing2 and the woman and girl turned and went up the path again4 ,after getting up the bank1 which was only a few feet1 the path still went gently rising through a wild bit of ground1 full of trees and low bushes2 and not far off1 through the trees1 there came a gleam of bright light from the window of a house on which the setting sun was shining4 ,half-way to the house the girl and the woman stopped to rest2 for water is heavy1 and the tin pail1 which was so light before it was filled1 had made the little girl's figure bend over to one side like a willow branch all the way from the spring4 ,they stopped to rest1 and even the woman had a very weary1 jaded look4 ,i feel as if ,i shall give up some of these days1 she exclaimed4 ,oh1 no1 mother6 the little girl answered1 cheerfully4 ,she was panting1 with her hand on her side1 and her face had a quiet1 very sober look2 only at those words a little pleasant smile broke over it4 ,i shall1 said the woman4 ,one can't stand everything1--for ever4 ,the little girl had not got over panting yet1 but standing there1 she struck up the sweet air and words1-- ',there is rest for the weary1 ,there is rest for the weary1 ,there is rest for the weary1 ,there is rest for you4' ,yes1 in the grave6 said the woman bitterly4 ,there's no rest short of that--for mind or body4 ,oh1 yes1 mother dear4 ',for we which have believed do enter into rest4' ,the ,lord ,jesus don't make us wait4 ,i believe you eat the ,bible and sleep on the ,bible1 said the woman1 with a faint smile1 taking at the same time a corner of her apron to wipe away a stray tear which had gathered in her eye4 ,i am glad it rests you1 ,nettie4 ,and you1 mother4 ,sometimes1 ,mrs4 ,mathieson answered with a sigh4 ,but there's your father going to bring home a boarder1 ,nettie4 ,a boarder1 mother6--,what for8 ,heaven knows6--if it isn't to break my back and my heart together4 ,i thought ,i had enough to manage before1 but here's this man coming1 and ,i've got to get everything ready for him by to-morrow night4 ,who is it1 mother8 ,it's one of your father's friends2 so it's no good1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson4 ,but where can he sleep8 ,nettie asked1 after a moment of thinking4 ,her mother paused4 ,there's no room but yours he can have4 ,barry won't be moved4 ,where shall ,i sleep1 mother8 ,there's no place but up in the attic4 ,i'll see what ,i can do to fit up a corner for you--if ,i ever can get time1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson1 taking up her pail4 ,nettie followed her example1 and certainly did not smile again till they reached the house4 ,they went round to the front door1 because the back door belonged to another family4 ,at the door1 as they set down their pails again before mounting the stairs1 ,nettie smiled at her mother very placidly1 and said1 ,don't you go to fit up the attic1 mother2 ,i'll see to it in time4 ,i can do it just as well4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson made no answer1 but groaned internally1 and they went up the flight of steps which led to their part of the house4 ,the ground floor was occupied by somebody else4 ,a little entry-way received the wooden pail of water1 and with the tin one ,nettie went into the room used by the family4 ,it was her father and mother's sleeping-room1 their bed standing in one corner4 ,it was the kitchen apparently1 for a small cooking-stove was there1 on which ,nettie put the tea-kettle when she had filled it4 ,and it was the common living-room also2 for the next thing she did was to open a cupboard and take out cups and saucers1 and arrange them on a leaf table which stood toward one end of the room4 ,the furniture was wooden and plain2 the woodwork of the windows was unpainted2 the cups and plates were of the commonest kind2 and the floor had no covering but two strips of rag carpeting2 nevertheless the whole was tidy and very clean1 showing constant care4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson had sunk into a chair as one who had no spirit to do anything1 and watched her little daughter setting the table with eyes which seemed not to see her4 ,they gazed inwardly at something she was thinking of4 ,mother1 what is there for supper8 ,there is nothing4 ,i must make some porridge4 ,and ,mrs4 ,mathieson got up from her chair4 ,sit you still1 mother1 and ,i'll make it4 ,i can4 ,if both our backs are to be broken1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson1 ,i'd rather mine would break first4 ,and she went on with her preparations4 ,but you don't like porridge1 said ,nettie4 ,you didn't eat anything last night4 ,that's nothing1 child4 ,i can bear an empty stomach1 if only my brain wasn't quite so full4 ,nettie drew near the stove and looked on1 a little sorrowfully4 ,i wish you had something you liked1 mother6 ,if only ,i was a little older1 wouldn't it be nice8 ,i could earn something then1 and ,i would bring you home things that you liked out of my own money4 ,this was not said sorrowfully1 but with a bright gleam as of some fancied and pleasant possibility4 ,the gleam was so catching1 ,mrs4 ,mathieson turned from her porridge-pot1 which she was stirring1 to give a very heartfelt kiss to ,nettie's lips2 then she stirred on1 and the shadow came over her face again4 ,dear1 she said1 just go in ,barry's room and straighten it up a little before he comes in--will you8 ,i haven't had a minute to do it1 all day2 and there won't be a bit of peace if he comes in and it isn't in order4 ,nettie turned and opened another door1 which let her into a small chamber used as somebody's bed-room4 ,it was all brown like the other1 a strip of the same carpet in the middle of the floor1 and a small cheap chest of drawers1 and a table4 ,the bed had not been made up1 and the tossed condition of the bed-clothes spoke for the strength and energy of the person that used them1 whoever he was4 ,a pair of coarse shoes were in the middle of the whole2 another pair1 or rather a pair of half-boots1 out at the toes1 were in the middle of the floor2 stockings1--one under the bed and one under the table4 ,on the table was a heap of confusion2 and on the little bureau were to be seen pieces of wood1 half-cut and uncut1 with shavings1 and the knife and saw that had made them4 ,old newspapers1 and school-books1 and a slate1 and two kites1 with no end of tails1 were lying over every part of the room that happened to be convenient2 also an ink-bottle and pens1 with chalk and resin and a medley of unimaginable things beside1 that only boys can collect together and find delight in4 ,if ,nettie sighed as all this hurly-burly met her eye1 it was only an internal sigh4 ,she set about patiently bringing things to order4 ,first she made the bed1 which it took all her strength to do1 for the coverlets were of a very heavy and coarse manufacture of cotton and woollen mixed1 blue and white2 and then gradually she found a way to bestow the various articles in ,barry's apartment1 so that things looked neat and comfortable4 ,but perhaps it was a little bit of a sign of ,nettie's feelings1 that she began softly to sing to herself1-- ',there is rest for the weary4' ,hallo6 burst in a rude boy of some fifteen years1 opening the door from the entry1--who's puttin' my room to rights8 ,a very gentle voice said1 ,i've done it1 ,barry4 ,what have you done with that pine log8 ,here it is1--in the corner behind the bureau4 ,don't you touch it1 now1 to take it for your fire1--mind1 ,nettie6 ,where's my kite8 ,you won't have time to fly it now1 ,barry2 supper will be ready in two minutes4 ,what have you got8 ,the same kind we had last night4 ,i don't care for supper4 ,barry was getting the tail of his kite together4 ,but please1 ,barry1 come now2 because it will give mother so much more trouble if you don't4 ,she has the things to clear away after you're done1 you know4 ,trouble6 so much talk about trouble6 ,i don't mind trouble4 ,i don't want any supper1 ,i tell you4 ,nettie knew well enough he would want it by-and-bye1 but there was no use in saying anything more1 and she said nothing4 ,barry got his kite together and went off4 ,then came a heavier step on the stairs1 which she knew2 and she hastily went into the other room to see that all was ready4 ,the tea was made1 and ,mrs4 ,mathieson put the smoking dish of porridge on the table1 just as the door opened and a man came in--a tall1 burly1 strong man1 with a face that would have been a good face enough if its expression had been different and if its hue had not been that of a purplish-red flush4 ,he came to the table and silently sat down as he took a survey of what was on it4 ,give me a cup of tea6 ,have you got no bread1 ,sophia8 ,nothing but what you see4 ,i hoped you would bring home some money1 ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,i have neither milk nor bread2 it's a mercy there's sugar4 ,i don't know what you expect a lodger to live on4 ,live on his board1--that'll give you enough4 ,but you want something to begin with4 ,i'd go out and get one or two things--but ,i'm so confoundedly tired1 ,i can't4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson1 without a word1 put on a shawl and went to the closet for her bonnet4 ,i'll go1 mother6 ,let me go1 please4 ,i want to go1 exclaimed ,nettie1 eagerly4 ,i can get it4 ,what shall ,i get1 father8 ,slowly and weariedly the mother laid off her things2 as quickly the child put hers on4 ,what shall ,i get1 father8 ,well1 you can go down the street to ,jackson's1 and get what your mother wants3 some milk and bread2 and then you'd better fetch seven pounds of meal and a quart of treacle4 ,and ask him to give you a nice piece of pork out of his barrel4 ,she can't bring all that6 exclaimed the mother2 you'd better go yourself1 ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,that would be a great deal more than the child can carry1 or ,i either4 ,then ,i'll go twice1 mother3 it isn't far2 ,i'd like to go4 ,i'll get it4 ,please give me the money1 father4 ,he cursed and swore at her for answer4 ,go along1 and do as you are bid1 without all this chaffering6 ,go to ,jackson's1 and tell him you want the things1 and ,i'll give him the money to-morrow4 ,he knows me4 ,nettie knew he did1 and stood her ground4 ,her father was just enough in liquor to be a little thick-headed and foolish4 ,you know ,i can't go without the money1 father1 she said1 gently2 and to-morrow is ,sunday4 ,he cursed ,sunday and swore again1 but finally put his hand in his pocket and threw some money across the table to her4 ,he was just in a state not to be careful what he did1 and he threw her crown-pieces where1 if he had been quite himself1 he would have given shillings4 ,nettie took them without any remark1 and her basket1 and went out4 ,it was just sundown4 ,the village lay glittering in the light that would be gone in a few minutes2 and up on the hill the white church1 standing high1 showed all bright in the sun-beams1 from its sparkling vane at the top of the spire down to the lowest step at the door4 ,nettie's home was in a branch road1 a few steps from the main street of the village1 that led up to the church at one end of it4 ,all along that street the sunlight lay1 on the grass1 and the roadway1 and the side-walks1 and the tops of a few elm trees4 ,the street was empty2 it was most people's supper-time4 ,nettie turned the corner and went down the village4 ,she went slowly3 her little feet were already tired with the work they had done that day1 and back and arms and head all seemed tired too4 ,but ,nettie never thought it hard that her mother did not go instead of letting her go2 she knew her mother could not bear to be seen in the village in the old shabby gown and shawl she wore2 for ,mrs4 ,mathieson had seen better days4 ,and besides that1 she would be busy enough as it was1 and till a late hour1 this ,saturday night4 ,nettie's gown was shabby too--yes1 very shabby1 compared with that almost every other child in the village wore2 yet somehow ,nettie was not ashamed4 ,she did not think of it now1 as her slow steps took her down the village street2 she was thinking what she should do about the money4 ,her father had given her two or three times as much1 she knew1 as he meant her to spend2 he was a good workman1 and had just got in his week's wages4 ,what should ,nettie do8 ,might she keep and give to her mother what was over8 it was1 and would be1 so much wanted6 and from her father they could never get it again4 ,he had his own ways of disposing of what he earned1 and very little indeed went to the wants of his wife and daughter4 ,what might ,nettie do6 ,she pondered1 swinging her basket in her hand1 till she reached a corner where the village street turned off again1 and where the store of ,mr4 ,jackson stood4 ,there she found ,barry bargaining for some things he at least had money for4 ,oh1 ,barry1 how good6 exclaimed ,nettie2 you can help me carry my things home4 ,i'll know the reason first1 though1 answered ,barry4 ,what are you going to get8 ,father wants a bag of corn-meal1 and a piece of pork1 and some treacle2 and you know ,i can't carry them all1 ,barry4 ,i've got to get bread and milk besides4 ,hurrah6 said ,barry2 now we'll have fried cakes6 ,i'll tell you what ,i'll do1 ,nettie--,i'll take home the treacle1 if you'll make me some to-night for supper4 ,oh1 ,i can't1 ,barry6 ,i've got so much else to do1 and it's ,saturday night4 ,very good--get your things home yourself1 then4 ,barry turned away1 and ,nettie made her bargains4 ,he still stood by1 however1 and watched her4 ,when the pork and the meal and the treacle were bestowed in the basket1 it was so heavy she could not manage to carry it4 ,how many journeys to and fro would it cost her8 ,barry1 she said1 you take this home for me1 and if mother says so1 ,i'll make you the cakes4 ,be quick1 then1 said her brother1 shouldering the basket1 for ,i'm getting hungry4 ,nettie went a few steps farther on the main road of the village1 which was little besides one long street1 and not very long either1 and went in at the door of a very little dwelling1 neat and tidy like all the rest4 ,it admitted her to the tiniest morsel of a shop--at least there was a long table there which seemed to do duty as a counter2 and before1 not behind it1 sat a spruce little woman sewing4 ,she jumped up as ,nettie entered4 ,by the becoming smartness of her calico dress and white collar1 the beautiful order of her hair1 and a certain peculiarity of feature1 you might know before she spoke that the little baker was a ,frenchwoman4 ,she spoke ,english quite well1 but rather slowly4 ,i want two loaves of bread1 ,mrs4 ,august1 and a pint of milk1 if you please4 ,how will you carry them1 my child8 you cannot take them all at the time4 ,oh yes1 ,i can1 said ,nettie1 cheerfully4 ,i can manage4 ,they are not heavy4 ,no1 ,i hope not1 said the ,frenchwoman2 it is not heavy1 my bread6 but two loaves are not one1 no more4 ,is your mother well8 ,she then set busily about wrapping the loaves in paper and measuring out the milk4 ,nettie answered1 her mother was well4 ,and you8 said the little woman1 looking at her sideways4 ,somebody is tired this evening4 ,yes1 said ,nettie1 brightly2 but ,i don't mind4 ,one must be tired sometimes4 ,thank you1 ma'am4 ,the woman had put the loaves and the milk carefully in her arms and in her hands1 so that she could carry them1 and looked after her as she went up the street4 ,one must be tired sometimes6 said she to herself1 with a turn of her capable little head4 ,i should like to hear her say ',one must be rested sometimes2' but ,i do not hear that4 ,so perhaps ,nettie thought1 as she went homeward4 ,it would have been very natural4 ,now the sun was down1 the bright gleam was off the village2 the soft shades of evening were gathering1 and lights twinkled in windows4 ,nettie walked very slowly1 her arms full of the bread4 ,perhaps she wished her ,saturday's work was all done1 like other people's4 ,all ,i can tell you is1 that as she went along through the quiet deserted street1 all alone1 she broke out softly singing to herself the words1-- ,no need of the sun in that day ,which never is followed by night2 and that when she got home she ran upstairs quite briskly1 and came in with a very placid face1 and told her mother she had had a pleasant walk--which was perfectly true4 ,god bless you1 child6 said her mother2 you are the very rose of my heart6 ,there was only time for this little dialogue1 for which ,mr4 ,mathieson's slumbers had given a chance4 ,but then ,barry entered1 and noisily claimed ,nettie's promise4 ,and without a cloud crossing her sweet brow1 she made the cakes1 and baked them on the stove1 and served ,barry until he had enough2 nor ever said how weary she was of being on her feet4 ,there were more cakes left1 and ,mrs4 ,mathieson saw to it that ,nettie sat down and ate them2 and then sent her off to bed1 without suffering her to do anything more2 though ,nettie pleaded to be allowed to clear away the dishes4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson did that1 and then sat down to darns and patches on various articles of clothing1 till the old clock of the church on the hill tolled out solemnly the hour of twelve all over the village4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,sunday',s ,,rest4 ,this is the day which the ,lord hath made2 we will rejoice and be glad in it4--,psalm cxviii1 #bd4 ,nettie's room was the only room on that floor besides her mother's and ,barry's4 ,it was at the back of the house1 with a pleasant look-out over the trees and bushes between it and the spring4 ,over these the view went to distant hills and fields1 that always looked pretty in all sorts of lights1 ,nettie thought4 ,besides that1 it was a clean1 neat little room2 bare1 to be sure1 without even ,barry's strip of rag carpet2 but on a little black table lay ,nettie's ,bible and ,sunday-school books2 and each window had a chair2 and a chest of drawers held all her little wardrobe and a great deal of room to spare besides2 and the cot-bed in one corner was nicely made up4 ,it was a very comfortable-looking room to ,nettie4 ,so this is the last night ,i shall sleep here6 she thought as she went in4 ,to-morrow ,i must go up to the attic4 ,well1 ,i can pray there just the same2 and ,god will be with me there just the same4 ,it was a comfort2 but it was the only one ,nettie could think of in connection with her removal4 ,the attic was no room1 but only a little garret used as a lumber-place2 not boarded up nor plastered at all2 nothing but the beams and the side boarding for the walls1 and nothing but the rafters and the shingles between it and the sky4 ,besides which1 it was full of lumber of one sort and another4 ,how ,nettie was to move up there the next day1 being ,sunday1 she could not imagine2 but she was so tired that as soon as her head touched her pillow she fell asleep1 and forgot to think about it4 ,the next thing was the bright morning light rousing her1 and the joyful thought that it was ,sunday morning4 ,a beautiful day it was4 ,the eastern light was shining over upon ,nettie's distant hills with all sorts of fresh1 lovely colours1 and promise of what the coming hours would bring4 ,nettie looked at them lovingly1 for she was very fond of them1 and had a great many thoughts about those hills4 ,as the mountains are round about ,jerusalem1 so the ,lord is round about ,his people2--that was one thing they made her think of4 ,she thought of it now as she was dressing1 and it gave her the feeling of being surrounded with a mighty and strong protection on every side4 ,it made ,nettie's heart curiously glad1 and her tongue speak joyful things2 for when she knelt down to pray she was full of thanksgiving4 ,the next thing was that1 taking her tin pail1 ,nettie set off down to the spring to get water to boil her kettle4 ,it was so sweet and pleasant--no other spring could supply nicer water4 ,the dew brushed from the bushes and grass as she went by2 and from every green thing there went up a fresh dewy smell1 that was reviving4 ,the breath of the summer wind1 moving gently1 touched her cheek and fluttered her hair1 and said ,god had given a beautiful day to the world2 and ,nettie thanked ,him in her heart1 and went on rejoicing4 ,sunday was ,nettie's holiday1 and ,sunday school and church were her delight4 ,and though she went in all weathers1 and nothing would keep her1 yet sunshine is sunshine1 and she felt so this morning4 ,so she gaily filled her pail at the spring and trudged back with it to the house4 ,the next thing was to tap at her mother's door4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson opened it1 in her night-gown2 she was just up1 and looked as if her night's sleep had been all too short for her4 ,why1 ,nettie6 is it late8 she said1 as ,nettie and the tin pail came in4 ,no1 mother2 it's just good time4 ,you get dressed1 and ,i'll make the fire ready4 ,it's beautiful out1 mother6 ,mrs4 ,mathieson made no answer1 and ,nettie went to work with the fire4 ,it was an easy matter to put in some paper and kindle the light wood2 and when the kettle was on1 ,nettie went round the room1 softly setting it to rights as well as she could2 then glanced at her father1 still sleeping4 ,i can't set the table yet1 mother4 ,no1 child2 go off1 and ,i'll see to the rest4--,if ,i can get folks up1 at least1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson1 somewhat despondingly4 ,sunday morning that was a doubtful business1 she and ,nettie knew4 ,nettie went to her own room to carry out a plan she had4 ,if she could manage to get her things conveyed up to the attic without her mother knowing it1 just so much labour and trouble would be spared her1 and her mother might have a better chance of some rest that day4 ,little enough1 with a lodger coming that evening6 ,to get her things up there1--that was all ,nettie would do to-day2 but that must be done4 ,the steep stairs to the attic went up from the entry-way1 just outside of ,nettie's door4 ,she went up the first time to see what room there was to bestow anything4 ,the little garret was strewn all over with things carelessly thrown in merely to get them out of the way4 ,there was a small shutter window in each gable4 ,one was open1 just revealing the utter confusion1 but half showing the dust that lay on everything4 ,the other window1 the back one1 was fairly shut up by a great heap of boxes and barrels piled against it4 ,in no part was there a clear space or a hopeful opening4 ,nettie stood aghast for some moments1 not knowing what to do4 ,but if ,i don't1 mother will have to do it1 she thought4 ,it nerved her little arm1 and one thought of her invisible ,protector nerved her heart1 which had sunk at first coming up4 ,softly she moved and began her operations1 lest her mother downstairs should hear and find out what she was about before it was done4 ,sunday too6 ,but there was no help for it4 ,notwithstanding the pile of boxes1 she resolved to begin at the end with the closed window2 for near the other there were things she could not move3 an old stove1 a wheelbarrow1 a box of heavy iron tools1 and some bags of charcoal1 and other matters4 ,by a little pushing and coaxing1 ,nettie made a place for the boxes1 and then began her task of removing them4 ,one by one1 painfully1 for some were unwieldy and some were weighty1 they travelled across in ,nettie's arms1 or were shoved and turned over and across the floor1 from the window to a snug position under the eaves1 where she stowed them4 ,barry would have been a good hand at this business1 not to speak of his father2 but ,nettie knew there was no help to be expected from either of them1 and the very thought of them did not come into her head4 ,mr4 ,mathieson1 provided he worked at his trade1 thought the women folks might look after the house2 ,barry considered that when he had got through the heavy labours of school1 he had done his part of the world's work4 ,so ,nettie toiled on with her boxes and barrels4 ,they scratched her arms2 they covered her clean face with dust2 they tried her strength2 but every effort saved one to her mother1 and ,nettie never stopped except to gather breath and rest4 ,the last thing of all under the window was a great old chest4 ,nettie could not move it1 and she thought it might stay there very conveniently for a seat4 ,all the rest of the pile she cleared away1 and then opened the window4 ,there was no sash--nothing but a wooden shutter fastened with a hook4 ,nettie threw it open4 ,there1 to her great joy1 behold1 she had the very same view of her hills1 all shining in the sun now4 ,only this window was higher than her old one and lifted her up more above the tops of the trees1 and gave a better and clearer and wider view of the distant open country she liked so much4 ,nettie was greatly delighted1 and refreshed herself with a good look out and a breath of fresh air before she began her labours again4 ,that gave the dust a little chance to settle too4 ,there was a good deal to do yet before she could have a place clear for her bed1 not to speak of anything more4 ,however1 it was done at last1 the floor brushed up1 all ready1 and the top of the chest wiped clean2 and next ,nettie set about bringing all her things up the stairs and setting them here1 where she could4 ,her clothes1 her little bit of a looking-glass1 her ,bible and books and slate1 even her little washstand1 she managed to lug up to the attic1 with many a journey and much pains4 ,but it was about done before her mother called her to breakfast4 ,the two lagging members of the family had been roused at last1 and were seated at the table4 ,why1 what have you been doing1 child8 how you look6 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson4 ,how do ,i look8 said ,nettie4 ,queer enough1 said her father4 ,nettie laughed1 and hastened to another subject3 she knew if they got upon this there would be some disagreeable words before it was over4 ,she had made up her mind what to do1 and now handed her father the money remaining from her purchases4 ,you gave me too much1 father1 last night1 she said1 simply2 here is the rest4 ,mr4 ,mathieson took it and looked at it4 ,did ,i give you all this8 ,yes1 father4 ,did you pay for what you got1 besides8 ,yes4 ,he muttered something which was very like an oath in his throat1 and looked at his little daughter1 who was quietly eating her breakfast4 ,something touched him unwontedly4 ,you're an honest little girl1 he said4 ,there6 you may have that for yourself4 ,and he tossed her a shilling4 ,you could see1 by a little streak of pink colour down each of ,nettie's cheeks1 that some great thought of pleasure had started into her mind4 ,for myself1 father8 she repeated4 ,all for yourself1 said ,mr4 ,mathieson1 buttoning up his money with a very satisfied air4 ,nettie said no more1 only ate her breakfast a little quicker after that4 ,it was time1 too2 for the late hours of some of the family always made her in a hurry about getting to ,sunday school2 and the minute ,nettie had done1 she got her bonnet--her ,sunday bonnet--the best she had to wear--and set off4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson never let her wait for anything at home that morning4 ,this was ,nettie's happy time4 ,it never troubled her that she had nothing but a sun-bonnet of white muslin1 nicely starched and ironed1 while almost all the other girls that came to the school had little straw bonnets trimmed with blue and pink1 and yellow and green ribbons2 and some of them wore silk bonnets4 ,nettie did not even think of it2 she loved her ,sunday lesson1 and her ,bible1 and her teacher1 so much2 and it was such a pleasant time when she went to enjoy them all together4 ,it was only a little way she had to go1 for the road where ,mrs4 ,mathieson lived1 after running down a little farther from the village1 met another road which turned right up the hill to the church2 or ,nettie could take the other way1 to the main village street1 and straight up that4 ,generally she chose the forked way1 because it was the emptiest4 ,nettie's class in the ,sunday school was of ten little girls about her own age2 and their teacher was a very pleasant and kind gentleman1 named ,mr4 ,folke4 ,nettie loved him dearly2 she would do anything that ,mr4 ,folke told her to do4 ,their teacher was very apt to give the children a question to answer from the ,bible1 for which they had to look out texts during the week4 ,this week the question was1 ,who are happy8 and ,nettie was very eager to know what answers the other girls would bring4 ,she was in good time1 and sat resting and watching the boys and girls and teachers as they came in1 before the school began4 ,she was first there of all her class2 and she watched so eagerly to see those who were coming1 that she did not know ,mr4 ,folke was near till he spoke to her4 ,nettie started and turned4 ,how do you do8 said her teacher1 kindly4 ,are you quite well1 ,nettie1 this morning8 ,for he thought she looked pale and tired4 ,but her face coloured with pleasure1 and a smile shone all over it1 as she told him she was very well4 ,have you found out who are the happy people1 ,nettie8 ,yes1 ,mr4 ,folke2 ,i have found a verse4 ,but ,i knew before4 ,i thought you did4 ,who are they1 ,nettie8 ,those who love ,jesus1 sir4 ,ay4 ,in the ,christian armour1 you know1 the feet are 'shod with the preparation of the ,gospel of peace4' ,with the love of ,jesus in our hearts1 our feet can go over rough ways and hardly feel that they are rough4 ,do you find it so8 ,oh yes1 sir6 ,he said no more1 for others of the class now came up2 and ,nettie wondered how he knew1 or if he knew1 that she had a rough way to go over4 ,but his words were a help and comfort to her4 ,so was the whole lesson that day4 ,the verses about the happy people were beautiful4 ,the seven girls who sat on one side of ,nettie repeated the blessings told of in the fifth chapter of ,st4 ,matthew1 about the poor in spirit1 the mourners1 the meek1 those that hunger and thirst after righteousness1 the merciful1 the pure in heart1 and the peacemakers4 ,then came ,nettie's verse4 ,it was this3 ,happy is he that hath the ,god of ,jacob for his help1 whose hope is in the ,lord his ,god4 ,the next girl gave the words of ,jesus1 ,if ye know these things1 happy are ye if ye do them4 ,the last gave ,blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven1 whose sin is covered4 ,then came ,mr4 ,folke's verse1 and ,netty thought it was the most beautiful of all4 ,blessed are they that do ,his commandments1 that they may have right to the tree of life1 and may enter in through the gates into the city4 ,then ,mr4 ,folke talked about that city--its streets of gold1 and the gates of pearl1 through which nothing that defileth can by any means enter4 ,he told how ,jesus will make ,his people happy there2 how they will be with ,him1 and all their tears wiped away4 ,and ,jesus will be their ,shepherd2 ,his sheep will not wander from ,him any more2 and they shall see ,his face1 and ,his name shall be in their foreheads4 ,from school they went to church1 of course4 ,a strange clergyman preached that day1 and ,nettie could not understand him always2 but the words of the hymn and ,mr4 ,folke's words ran in her head then1 and she was very happy all church-time4 ,and as she was walking home1 still the tune and the words ran in her ears1-- ,jesus all the day long ,is my joy and my song2 ,o that all ,his salvation might see6 ,so1 thinking busily1 ,nettie got home and ran upstairs4 ,what a change6 ,it looked like a place very1 very far from those gates of pearl4 ,her mother sat on one side of the stove1 not dressed for church1 and leaning her head on her hand4 ,mr4 ,mathieson was on the other side1 talking and angry4 ,barry stood back1 playing ball by himself by throwing it up and catching it again4 ,the talk stopped at ,nettie's entrance4 ,she threw off her bonnet and began to set the table1 hoping that would bring peace4 ,your father don't want any dinner1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson4 ,yes1 ,i do6 thundered her husband2 but ,i tell you ,i'll not take anything now2 so leave your cooking till supper--when ,lumber will be here4 ,go on1 child1 and get your work done4 ,there were no preparations for dinner1 and ,nettie was at a loss1 and did not like to say anything for fear of bringing on a storm4 ,her mother looked both weary and out of temper4 ,the kettle was boiling1 the only thing about the room that had a pleasant seeming4 ,will you have a cup of tea1 father8 said ,nettie4 ,anything you like--yes1 a cup of tea will do2 and hark ye1 child1 ,i want a good stout supper got this afternoon4 ,your mother don't choose to hear me4 ,mr4 ,lumber is coming1 and ,i want a good supper to make him think he's got to the right place4 ,do you hear1 ,nettie8 ,yes1 father4 ,nettie went on to do the best she could4 ,she warmed the remains of last night's porridge1 and gave it to ,barry1 with treacle1 to keep him quiet4 ,meanwhile she had made the tea1 and toasted a slice of bread very nicely1 though with great pains1 for the fire wasn't good2 and the toast and a cup of tea she gave to her father4 ,he ate it with an eagerness which let ,nettie know she must make another slice as fast as possible4 ,hallo6 ,nettie--,i say1 give us some of that1 will you8 said ,barry1 finding his porridge poor in taste4 ,barry1 there isn't bread enough--,i can't1 whispered ,nettie4 ,we've got to keep a loaf for supper4 ,eat what you've got1 or let it alone6 thundered ,mr4 ,mathieson1 in the way he had when he was out of patience1 and which always tried ,nettie exceedingly4 ,she's got more1 said ,barry4 ,she's toasting two pieces this minute4 ,i want one4 ,i'll knock you over if you say another word1 said his father4 ,nettie was frightened1 for she saw he meant to have the whole1 and she had destined a bit for her mother4 ,however1 when she gave her father his second slice1 she ventured1 and took the other with a cup of tea to the forlorn figure on the other side of the stove4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson took only the tea4 ,but ,mr4 ,mathieson's ire was roused afresh4 ,perhaps toast and tea didn't agree with him4 ,have you got all ready for ,mr4 ,lumber8 he said1 in a tone of voice very unwilling to be pleased4 ,no1 said his wife1--,i have had no chance4 ,i have been cooking and clearing up all the morning4 ,his room isn't ready4 ,well1 you had better get it ready pretty quick4 ,what's to do8 ,everything's to do1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson4 ,he swore at her4 ,why can't you answer a plain question8 ,i say1 what's to do8 ,there's all ,nettie's things in the room at present4 ,they are all to move upstairs1 and the red bedstead to bring down4 ,no1 mother1 said ,nettie1 gently1 all my things are upstairs already2 there's only the cot and the bed1 that ,i couldn't move4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson gave no outward sign of the mixed feeling of pain and pleasure that shot through her heart4 ,pleasure at her child's thoughtful love1 pain that she should have to show it in such a way4 ,when did you do it1 ,nettie8 ,this morning before breakfast1 mother4 ,it's all ready1 father1 if you or ,barry would take up my cot and the bed1 and bring down the other bedstead4 ,it's too heavy for me4 ,that's what ,i call doing business and having some spirit1 said her father4 ,not sitting and letting your work come to you4 ,here1 ,nettie1 ,i'll do the rest for you4 ,nettie ran with him to show him what was wanted2 and ,mr4 ,mathieson's strong arms had it all done very quickly4 ,nettie eagerly thanked him2 and then seeing him in good humour with her1 she ventured something more4 ,mother's very tired to-day1 father1 she whispered2 she'll feel better by-and-bye if she has a little rest4 ,do you think you would mind helping me put up this bedstead8 ,well1 here goes6 returned ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,which piece belongs here1 to begin with8 ,nettie did not know much better than he2 but putting not only her whole mind but also her whole heart into it1 she managed to find out and to direct him successfully4 ,her part was hard work3 she had to stand holding up the heavy end of the bedstead while her father fitted in the long pieces2 and then she helped him to lace the cords1 which had to be drawn very tight2 and precious time was running away fast1 and ,nettie had had no dinner4 ,but she stood patiently1 with a thought in her heart which kept her in peace all the while4 ,when it was done1 ,mr4 ,mathieson went out1 and ,nettie returned to her mother4 ,she was sitting where she had left her4 ,barry was gone4 ,mother1 won't you have something to eat8 ,i can't eat1 child4 ,have you had anything yourself8 ,nettie had seized a remnant of her father's toast1 and was munching it hastily4 ,mother1 won't you put on your gown and come to church this afternoon8 ,do6 ,it will rest you4 ,do1 mother6 ,you forget ,i've got to get supper1 child4 ,your father doesn't think it necessary that anybody should rest1 or go to church1 or do anything except work4 ,what he is thinking of1 ,i am sure ,i don't know4 ,there is no place to eat in but this room1 and he is going to bring a stranger into it2 and if ,i was dying ,i should have to get up for every meal that is wanted4 ,i never thought ,i should come to live so6 ,and ,i cannot dress myself1 or prepare the victuals1 or have a moment to myself1 but ,i have the chance of ,mr4 ,lumber and your father in here to look on6 ,it is worse than a dog's life6 ,it looked pretty bad1 ,nettie thought4 ,she did not know what to say4 ,she began clearing away the things on the table4 ,and what sort of a man this ,mr4 ,lumber is1 ,i don't know4 ,i dare say he is like his name--one of your father's cronies--a drinker and a swearer4 ,and ,mr4 ,mathieson will bring him here1 to be on my hands6 ,it will kill me before spring1 if it lasts4 ,couldn't there be a bed made somewhere else for ,barry1 mother8 and then we could eat in there4 ,where would you make it8 ,i could curtain off a corner of this room1 but ,barry wouldn't have it1 nor your father2 and they'd all want to be close to the fire the minute the weather grows the least bit cool4 ,no2 there is nothing for me but to live on till ,death calls for me6 ,mother1 ,jesus said1 ',he that liveth and believeth in ,me shall never die4' ,oh1 yes6 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson1 with a kind of long-drawn groan1 ,i don't know how it will be about that6 ,i get so put about now in these times1 that it seems to me ,i don't know my own soul6 ,mother1 come to church this afternoon4 ,i can't1 child4 ,i've got to put up that man's bed and make it4 ,that is all done1 mother1 and the floor brushed up4 ,do come6 ,why1 who put it up8 ,father and ,i4 ,well6 you do beat all1 ,nettie4 ,but ,i can't1 child2 ,i haven't time4 ,yes1 mother1 plenty4 ,there's all the hour of ,sunday school before church begins4 ,now do1 mother6 ,well1 you go off to school2 and if ,i can1 maybe ,i will4 ,you go right off1 ,nettie4 ,nettie went1 feeling weary and empty by dint of hard work and a dinner of a small bit of dry toast4 ,but she thought little about that4 ,she wanted to ask ,mr4 ,folke a question4 ,the lesson that afternoon was upon the peacemakers2 and ,mr4 ,folke asked the children what ways they knew of being a peacemaker4 ,the answer1 somehow1 was not very ready4 ,isn't it to stop people from quarrelling8 one child asked4 ,how can you do that1 ,jane8 ,jane seemed doubtful4 ,i could ask them to stop1 she said4 ,well1 suppose you did4 ,would angry people mind your asking8 ,i don't know1 sir4 ,if they were very angry1 ,i suppose they wouldn't4 ,perhaps not4 ,one thing is certain1 ,jane2 you must have peace in your own heart1 to give you the least chance4 ,how1 ,mr4 ,folke8 ,if you want to put out a fire1 you must not stick into it something that will catch4 ,that would make the fire worse1 said one of the girls4 ,certainly4 ,so if you want to touch quarrelsome spirits with the least hope of softening them1 you must be so full of the love of ,jesus yourself that nothing but love can come out of your own spirit4 ,you see1 it means a good deal to be a peacemaker4 ,i always thought that must be one of the easiest things of the whole list1 said one of the class4 ,you won't find it so1 ,i think2 or rather you will find they are all parts of the same character1 and the blessing is one4 ,but there are more ways of being a peacemaker4 ,what do you do when the hinge of a door creaks8 ,one said ,she didn't know2 another said ,nothing4 ,i stop my ears1 said a third4 ,mr4 ,folke laughed4 ,that would not do for a peacemaker1 he said4 ,don't you know what makes machinery work smoothly8 ,oil6 cried ,jane4 ,oil to be sure6 ,one little drop of oil will stop ever so much creaking and groaning and complaining1 of hinges and wheels and all sorts of machines4 ,now1 people's tempers are like wheels and hinges4 ,but what sort of oil shall we use8 ,the girls looked at each other1 and then one of them said1 ,kindness4 ,to be sure6 ,a gentle word1 a look of love1 a little bit of kindness1 will smooth down a roughened temper or a wry face1 and soften a hard piece of work1 and make all go easily4 ,and so of reproving sinners4 ,the ,psalmist says1 ',let the righteous smite me2 it shall be a kindness3 and let him reprove me2 it shall be an excellent oil1 which shall not break my head4' ,but1 you see1 the peacemaker must be righteous himself1 or he hasn't the oil4 ,love is the oil--the 'love of ,jesus4' ,mr4 ,folke1 said ,nettie1 timidly1 wasn't ,jesus a peacemaker8 ,the greatest that ever lived6 said ,mr4 ,folke1 his eyes lighting up with pleasure at her question4 ,he made all the peace there is in the world1 for ,he bought it1 when ,he died on the cross to reconcile man with ,god4 ,all our drops of oil were bought with drops of blood4 ,and1 said ,nettie1 hesitatingly1 ,mr4 ,folke1 isn't that one way of being a peacemaker8 ,what8 ,i mean1 to persuade people to be at peace with ,him8 ,that is the way above all others1 my child2 that is truly to be the 'children of ,god4' ,jesus came and preached peace2 and that is what ,his servants are doing1 and will do1 till ,he comes4 ,and 'they shall be called the children of ,god4' ',beloved1 if ,god so loved us1 we ought also to love one another4' ,mr4 ,folke paused1 with a face so full of thought1 of eagerness1 and of love1 that none of the children spoke1 and some of them wondered4 ,and before ,mr4 ,folke spoke again1 the superintendent's little bell rang1 and they all stood up to sing4 ,but ,nettie ,mathieson hardly could sing2 it seemed to her so glorious a thing to be that sort of a peacemaker4 ,could she be one8 ,but the ,lord blessed the peacemakers2 then it must be ,his will that all ,his children should be such2 then ,he would enable her to be one6 ,it was a great thought4 ,nettie's heart swelled with hope and joy and prayer4 ,she knew whose peace she longed for first of all4 ,her mother had now come to church1 so ,nettie enjoyed all the services1 with nothing to hinder4 ,then they walked home together1 not speaking much to each other1 but every step of the way pleasant in the ,sunday afternoon light1 till they got to their own door4 ,nettie knew what her mother's sigh meant1 as they mounted the stairs4 ,happily1 nobody was at home yet but themselves4 ,now1 mother1 said ,nettie1 when she had changed her dress and come to the common room1 what's to be for supper8 ,i'll get it4 ,you sit still and read1 if you want to1 while it's quiet4 ,what must we have8 ,there is not a great deal to do1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson4 ,i boiled the pork this morning1 and that was what set your father up so2 that's ready2 and he says there must be cakes4 ,the potatoes are all ready to put down--,i was going to boil 'em this morning1 and he stopped me4 ,nettie looked grave about the cakes4 ,however1 mother1 she said1 ,i don't believe that little loaf of bread would last1 even if you and ,i didn't touch it2 it is not very big4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson wearily sat down and took her ,testament1 as ,nettie begged her2 and ,nettie put on the kettle and the pot of potatoes1 and made the cakes ready to bake4 ,the table was set1 and the treacle and everything on it1 except the hot things1 when ,barry burst in4 ,hallo1 cakes6--hallo1 treacle6 he shouted4 ,pork and treacle--that's the right sort of thing4 ,now we're going to live something like4 ,hush1 ,barry1 don't make such a noise1 said his sister4 ,you know it's ,sunday evening4 ,sunday6 well1 what about ,sunday8 ,what's ,sunday good for1 except to eat1 ,i should like to know8 ,o ,barry6 ,o ,barry6 said he1 mimicking her4 ,come1 shut up1 and fry your cake4 ,father and ,lumber will be here just now4 ,nettie hushed1 as she was bidden2 and as soon as her father's step was heard below1 she went to frying cakes with all her might4 ,she just turned her head to give one look at ,mr4 ,lumber as he came in4 ,he appeared to her very like her father1 but without the recommendation which her affection gave to ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,a big1 strong1 burly fellow1 with the same tinges of red about his face that the summer sun had never brought there4 ,nettie did not want to look again4 ,she had a good specimen this evening of what they might expect in future4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson poured out the tea1 and ,nettie baked the cakes2 and perhaps because she was almost faint for want of something to eat1 she thought no three people ever ate so many griddle cakes before at one meal4 ,in vain plateful after plateful went upon the board1 and ,nettie baked them as fast as she could2 they were eaten just as fast2 and when finally the chairs were pushed back1 and the men went downstairs1 ,nettie and her mother looked at each other4 ,there's only one left1 mother1 said ,nettie4 ,and he has certainly eaten half the piece of pork1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson4 ,come1 child1 take something yourself2 you're ready to drop4 ,i'll clear away4 ,but it is beyond the power of any disturbance to take away the gladness of a heart where ,jesus is4 ,nettie's bread was sweet to her1 even that evening4 ,before she had well finished her supper1 her father and his lodger came back4 ,they sat down on either side the fire1 and began to talk of politics1 and of their work on which they were then engaged1 with their employers and their fellow-workmen2 of the state of business in the village1 and profits and losses1 and the success of particular men in making money4 ,they talked loudly and eagerly2 and ,nettie had to go round and round them to get to the fire for hot water1 and back to the table to wash up the cups and plates4 ,her mother was helping at the table1 but to get round ,mr4 ,lumber to the pot of hot water on the fire every now and then1 fell to ,nettie's share4 ,it was not a very nice ending of her sweet ,sabbath day1 she thought4 ,the dishes were done and put away1 and still the talk went on as hard as ever4 ,it was sometimes a pleasure to ,nettie's father to hear her sing hymns of a ,sunday evening4 ,nettie watched for a chance1 and the first time there was a lull of the voices of the two men1 she asked softly1 ,shall ,i sing1 father8 ,mr4 ,mathieson hesitated1 and then answered1 ,no1--better not1 ,nettie3 ,mr4 ,lumber might not find it amusing2 and the talk began again4 ,nettie waited a little longer1 feeling exceedingly tired4 ,then she rose and lighted a candle4 ,what are you doing1 ,nettie8 her mother said4 ,i am going to bed1 mother4 ,you can't take a candle up there1 child6 the attic's all full of things1 and you would certainly set us on fire4 ,i'll take great care1 mother4 ,but you can't1 child6 ,the wind might blow the snuff of your candle right into something that would be all a-flame by the time you're asleep4 ,you must manage without a light somehow4 ,but ,i can't see to find my way1 said ,nettie1 who was secretly trembling with fear4 ,i'll light you then1 for once1 and you'll soon learn the way4 ,give me the candle4 ,nettie hushed the words that came crowding into her mouth1 and clambered up the steep stairs to the attic4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson followed her with the candle till she got to the top1 and there she held it till ,nettie had found her way to the other end where her bed was4 ,then she said ,good night6 and went down4 ,the little square shutter of the window was open1 and a ray of moonlight streamed in upon the bed4 ,it was nicely made up3 ,nettie saw that her mother had been there and had done that for her1 and wrought a little more space and order among the things around the bed4 ,but the moonlight did not get in far enough to show much more4 ,just a little of this thing and of that could be seen2 a corner of a chest1 or a gleam on the side of a meal-bag3 the half-light showed nothing clearly except the confused fulness of the little attic4 ,nettie had given her head a blow against a piece of timber as she came through it2 and she sat down upon her little bed1 feeling rather miserable4 ,her fear was that the rats might visit her up there4 ,she did not certainly know that there were rats in the attic1 but she had been fearing to think of them1 and did not dare to ask1 as well as unwilling to give trouble to her mother2 for if they did come there1 ,nettie did not see how the matter could be mended4 ,she sat down on her little bed1 so much frightened that she forgot how tired she was4 ,her ears were as sharp as needles1 listening to hear the scrape of a rat's tooth upon a timber1 or the patter of his feet over the floor4 ,for a few minutes ,nettie almost thought she could not sleep up there alone1 and must go down and implore her mother to let her spread her bed in a corner of her room4 ,but what a bustle that would make6 ,her mother would be troubled1 and her father would be angry1 and the lodger would be disturbed1 and there was no telling how much harm would come of it4 ,no2 the peacemaker of the family must not do that4 ,and then the words floated into ,nettie's mind again1 ,blessed are the peacemakers1 for they shall be called the children of ,god4 ,like a strain of the sweetest music it floated in2 and if an angel had come and brought the words straight to ,nettie1 she could not have been more comforted4 ,she felt the rats could not hurt her while she was within hearing of that music2 and she got up and kneeled down upon the chest under the little window1 and looked out4 ,it was like the day that had passed1 not like the evening4 ,so purely and softly the moon-beams lay on all the fields and trees and hills1 there was no sign of anything but peace and purity to be seen4 ,no noise of men's work or voices2 no clangour of the iron foundry which on week-days might be heard2 no sight of anything unlovely2 but the wide beauty which ,god had made1 and the still peace and light which ,he had spread over it4 ,every little flapping leaf seemed to ,nettie to tell of its ,maker2 and the music of those words seemed to be all through the still air--,blessed are the peacemakers1 for they shall be called the children of ,god4 ,tears of gladness and hope slowly gathered in ,nettie's eyes4 ,the children of ,god will enter in1 by-and-bye1 through those pearly gates1 into that city of gold where they need no candle1 neither light of the sun1 for the ,lord ,god giveth them light4 ,so ,he can give me light here--or what's better than light1 thought ,nettie4 ,god isn't only out there1 in all that beautiful moonlight world--,he is here in my poor little attic too2 and ,he will take just as good care of me as ,he does of the birds1 and better1 for ,i am ,his child1 and they are only ,his beautiful little servants4 ,nettie's fear was gone4 ,she prayed her evening prayer1 and trusted herself to the ,lord ,jesus to take care of her2 and then she undressed herself and lay down and went to sleep1 just as quietly as any sparrow of them all1 with its head under its wing4 ,o day of rest and gladness6 ,o day of joy and light6 ,o balm of care and sadness1 ,most beautiful1 most bright6 ,on thee the high and lowly1 ,through ages join'd in tune1 ,sing1 ,holy1 ,holy1 ,holy1 ,to the great ,god ,triune4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,nettie',s ,,garret4 ,i will fear no evil1 for ,thou art with me4--,psalm xxiii4 #d4 ,nettie's attic grew to be a very pleasant place to her4 ,she never heard the least sound of rats2 and it was so nicely out of the way4 ,barry never came up there1 and there she could not even hear the voices of her father and ,mr4 ,lumber4 ,she had a tired time of it down stairs4 ,the first afternoon was a good specimen of the way things went on4 ,nettie's mornings were always spent at school2 ,mrs4 ,mathieson would have that1 as she said1 whether she could get on without ,nettie or no4 ,from the time ,nettie got home till she went to bed she was as busy as she could be4 ,there was so much bread to make and so much beef and pork to boil1 and so much washing of pots and kettles2 and at meal-times there was often cakes to fry1 besides all the other preparations4 ,mr4 ,mathieson seemed to have made up his mind that his lodger's rent should all go to the table and be eaten up immediately2 but the difficulty was to make as much as he expected of it in that line2 for now he brought none of his own earnings home1 and ,mrs4 ,mathieson had more than a sad guess where they went4 ,by degrees he came to be very little at home in the evenings1 and he carried off ,barry with him4 ,nettie saw her mother burdened with a great outward and inward care at once1 and stood in the breach all she could4 ,she worked to the extent of her strength1 and beyond it1 in the endless getting and clearing away of meals2 and watching every chance1 when the men were out of the way1 she would coax her mother to sit down and read a chapter in her ,testament4 ,it will rest you so1 mother1 ,nettie would say2 and ,i will make the bread just as soon as ,i get the dishes done4 ,do let me6 ,i like to do it4 ,sometimes ,mrs4 ,mathieson could not be persuaded2 sometimes she would yield1 in a despondent kind of way1 and sit down with the ,testament1 and look at it as if neither there nor anywhere else in the universe could she find rest or comfort any more4 ,it don't signify1 child1 said she1 one afternoon when ,nettie had been urging her to sit down and read4 ,i haven't the heart to do anything4 ,we're all driving to rack and ruin just as fast as we can go4 ,oh no1 mother1 said ,nettie1 ,i don't think we are4 ,i am sure of it4 ,i see it coming every day4 ,every day it is a little worse2 and ,barry is going along with your father2 and they are destroying me among them1 body and soul too4 ,no1 mother1 said ,nettie1 ,i don't think that4 ,i have prayed the ,lord ,jesus1 and you know ,he has promised to hear prayer2 and ,i know we are not going to ruin4 ,you are not1 child1 ,i believe2 but you are the only one of us that isn't4 ,i wish ,i was dead1 to be out of my misery6 ,sit down1 mother1 and read a little bit2 and don't talk so4 ,do1 mother6 ,it will be an hour or more yet to supper1 and ,i'll get it ready4 ,you sit down and read1 and ,i'll make the shortcakes4 ,do1 mother6 and you'll feel better4 ,it was half despair and half persuasion that made her do it2 but ,mrs4 ,mathieson did sit down by the open window and take her ,testament2 and ,nettie flew quietly about1 making her shortcakes and making up the fire and setting the table1 and through it all casting many a loving glance over to the open book in her mother's hand1 and the weary1 stony face that was bent over it4 ,nettie had not said how her own back was aching1 and she forgot it almost in her business and her thoughts2 though by the time her work was done her head was aching wearily too4 ,but cakes and table and fire and everything else were in readiness2 and ,nettie stole up behind her mother and leaned over her shoulder--leaned a little heavily4 ,don't that chapter comfort you1 mother8 she whispered4 ,no4 ,it don't seem to me as ,i've got any feeling left1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson4 ,it was the fourth chapter of ,john at which they were both looking4 ,don't it comfort you to read of ,jesus being wearied8 ,nettie went on1 her head lying on her mother's shoulder4 ,why should it1 child8 ,i like to read it1 said ,nettie4 ,then ,i know ,he knows how ,i feel sometimes4 ,god knows everything1 ,nettie4 ,with that ,mrs4 ,mathieson cast down her book and burst into such a passion of weeping that ,nettie was frightened4 ,it was like the breaking up of an icy winter4 ,she flung her apron over her head and sobbed aloud2 till1 hearing the steps of the men upon the staircase1 she rushed off to ,barry's room1 and presently got quiet1 for she came out to supper as if nothing had happened4 ,from that time there was a gentler mood upon her mother2 ,nettie saw1 though she looked weary and careworn as ever1 there was now not often the hard1 dogged look which had been wont to be there for months past4 ,nettie had no difficulty to get her to read the ,testament2 and of all things1 what she liked was to get a quiet hour of an evening alone with ,nettie1 and hear her sing hymns4 ,but both ,nettie and she had a great deal1 as ,mrs4 ,mathieson said1 to put up with4 ,as weeks went on1 the father of the family was more and more out at nights1 and less and less agreeable when he was at home4 ,he and his friend ,lumber helped each other in mischief4 ,the lodger's rent and board had been at first given for the household daily expenses2 but then ,mr4 ,mathieson began to pay over a smaller sum1 saying that it was all that was due2 and ,mrs4 ,mathieson began to suspect that the rest had been paid away already for brandy4 ,then ,mr4 ,mathieson told her to trade at ,jackson's on account1 and he would settle the bill4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson held off from this as long as it was possible4 ,she and ,nettie did their very best to make the little that was given them go a good way3 they wasted not a crumb nor a penny4 ,by degrees it came to be very customary for ,mrs4 ,mathieson and ,nettie to make their meal of porridge and bread1 after all the more savoury food had been devoured by the others2 and many a weary patch and darn filled the night hours because they had not money to buy a cheap dress or two4 ,nettie bore it very patiently4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson was sometimes impatient4 ,this won't last me through the week1 to get the things you want1 she said one ,saturday to her husband1 when he gave her what he said was ,lumber's payment to him4 ,you'll have to make it last1 said he gruffly4 ,will you tell me how ,i'm going to do that8 ,here isn't more than half what you gave me at first4 ,send to ,jackson's for what you want6 he roared at her2 didn't ,i tell you so8 and don't come bothering me with your noise4 ,when will you pay ,jackson8 ,i'll pay you first6 he said1 with an oath1 and very violently4 ,it was a ruder word than he had ever said to her before1 and ,mrs4 ,mathieson was staggered for a moment by it2 but there was another word she was determined to say4 ,may do what you like to me1 she said1 doggedly2 but ,i should think you would see for yourself that ,nettie has too much to get on with4 ,she is getting just as thin and pale as she can be4 ,that's just your fool's nonsense6 said ,mr4 ,mathieson2 but he spoke it more quietly4 ,nettie just then entered the room4 ,here1 ,nettie1 what ails you8 ,come here4 ,let's look at you4 ,ain't you as strong as ever you was8 ,here's your mother says you're getting puny4 ,nettie's smile and answer were so placid and untroubled1 and the little colour that rose in her cheeks at her father's question made her look so fresh and well1 that he was quieted4 ,he drew her within his arms1 for his gentle1 dutiful little daughter had a place in his respect and affection both1 though he did not often show it very broadly2 but now he kissed her4 ,there6 said he2 don't you go to growing thin and weak without telling me1 for ,i don't like such doings4 ,you tell me when you want anything4 ,but with that ,mr4 ,mathieson got up and went off out of the house2 and ,nettie had small chance to tell him if she wanted anything4 ,however1 this little word and kiss were a great comfort and pleasure to her4 ,it was the last she had from him in a good while4 ,nettie1 however1 was not working for praise or kisses1 and very little of either she got4 ,generally her father was rough1 imperious1 impatient1 speaking fast enough if anything went wrong1 but very sparing in expressions of pleasure4 ,sometimes a blessing did come upon her from the very depth of ,mrs4 ,mathieson's heart1 and went straight to ,nettie's2 but it was for another blessing she laboured1 and prayed1 and waited4 ,as the summer passed away1 it began to grow cold1 too1 up in her garret4 ,nettie had never thought of that4 ,as long as the summer sun warmed the roof well in the day1 and only the soft summer wind played in and out of her window at night1 it was all very well1 and ,nettie thought her sleeping-chamber was the best in the whole house1 for it was nearest the sky4 ,but ,august departed with its sunny days1 and ,september grew cool in the evening2 and ,october brought still sunny days1 it is true1 but the nights had a clear sharp frost in them2 and ,nettie was obliged to cover herself up warm in bed and look at the moonlight and the stars as she could see them through the little square opening left by the shutter4 ,the stars looked very lovely to ,nettie1 when they peeped at her so in her bed out of their high heaven2 and she was very content4 ,then came ,november2 and the winds began to come into the garret1 not only through the open window1 but through every crack between two boards4 ,the whole garret was filled with the winds1 ,nettie thought4 ,it was hard work managing then4 ,shutting the shutter would bar out the stars1 but not the wind1 she found2 and to keep from being quite chilled through at her times of prayer1 morning and evening1 ,nettie used to take the blanket and coverlets from the bed1 and wrap herself in them4 ,it was all she could do4 ,still1 she forgot the inconveniences2 and her little garret chamber seemed to ,nettie very near heaven1 as well as near the sky4 ,but all this way of life did not make her grow strong or rosy2 and though ,nettie never told her father that she wanted anything1 her mother's heart measured the times when it ought to be told4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,the ,,brown ,,cloak ,,in ,,november4 ,how long1 ,o ,lord8--,rev4 vi4 #aj4 ,november days drew toward an end2 ,december was near4 ,one afternoon ,mrs4 ,mathieson1 wanting ,nettie1 went to the foot of the garret stairs to call her4 ,yes1 mother4 ,coming4 ,fetch down your school cloak1 child4 ,she went back to her room1 and presently ,nettie came in with the cloak1 looking placid as usual1 but very pale4 ,somebody's got to go to ,mr4 ,jackson's1 but you ain't fit1 child2 you ate next to nothing at noon4 ,you can't live on porridge4 ,i like it1 mother2 but ,i wasn't hungry4 ,what's wanting from ,jackson's8 ,nettie put on her cloak1 and took her basket1 and went out4 ,it was after sundown already1 and a keen wind swept through the village street1 and swept through ,nettie's brown cloak too1 tight as she wrapt it about her4 ,but though she was cold and blue1 and the wind seemed to go through her as well as the cloak1 ,nettie was thinking of something else4 ,she knew that her mother had eaten a very scanty1 poor sort of dinner1 as well as herself1 and that she often looked pale and wan2 and ,nettie was almost ready to wish she had not given the last penny of her shilling on ,sunday to the missionary-box4 ,what do you want8 said ,mr4 ,jackson1 rather curtly1 when ,nettie's turn came to be served1 and she had told her errand4 ,what6 he exclaimed1 seven pounds of meal1 and a pound of butter1 and two pounds of sugar6 ,well1 you tell your father that ,i should like to have my bill settled2 it's all drawn up1 you see1 and ,i don't like to open a new account till it's all square4 ,he turned away immediately to another customer1 and ,nettie felt she had got her answer4 ,she stood a moment1 very disappointed1 and a little mortified1 and somewhat downhearted4 ,what should they do for supper8 and what a storm there would be when her father heard about all this1 and found nothing but bread and tea on the table6 ,slowly ,nettie turned away1 and slowly made the few steps from the door to the corner4 ,she felt very blue indeed2 coming out of the warm store1 the chill wind made her shiver4 ,just at the corner somebody stopped her4 ,nettie6 said the voice of the little ,french baker1 what ails you8 you look not well4 ,nettie gave her a grateful smile1 and said she was well4 ,you look not like it1 said ,madame ,auguste2 you look as if the wind might carry you off before you get home4 ,come to my house2 ,i want to see you in the light4 ,i haven't time2 ,i must go home to mother1 ,mrs4 ,august4 ,yes1 ,i know6 ,you will go home all the faster for coming this way first4 ,you have not been to see me in these three or four weeks4 ,she carried ,nettie along with her2 it was but a step1 and ,nettie did not feel capable of resisting anything4 ,the little ,frenchwoman put her into the shop before her1 made her sit down1 and lighted a candle4 ,the shop was nice and warm1 and full of the savoury smell of fresh baking4 ,we have made our own bread lately1 said ,nettie1 in answer to the charge of not coming there4 ,do you make it good8 said ,madame ,auguste4 ,it isn't like yours1 ,mrs4 ,august1 said ,nettie1 smiling4 ,if you will come and live with me next summer1 ,i will teach you how to do some things2 and you shall not look so blue neither4 ,have you had your supper8 ,no2 and ,i am just going home to get supper4 ,i must go1 ,mrs4 ,august4 ,you come in here1 said the ,frenchwoman2 you are my prisoner4 ,i am all alone1 and ,i want somebody for company4 ,you take off your cloak1 ,nettie1 and ,i shall give you something to keep the wind out4 ,you do what ,i bid you6 ,nettie felt too cold and weak to make any ado about complying1 unless duty had forbade2 and she thought there was time enough yet4 ,she let her cloak drop1 and took off her hood4 ,the little back room to which ,madame ,auguste had brought her was only a trifle bigger than the bit of a shop2 but it was as cozy as it was little4 ,a tiny stove warmed it1 and kept warm1 too1 a tiny iron pot and tea-kettle1 which were steaming away4 ,the bed was at one end1 draped nicely with red curtains2 there was a little looking-glass1 and some prints in frames round the walls2 there was ,madame's little table covered with a purple cloth1 and with her work and a small clock and various pretty things on it4 ,madame ,auguste had gone to a cupboard in the wall1 and taken out a couple of plates and little bowls1 which she set on a little round stand2 and then lifting the cover of the pot on the stove1 she ladled out a bowlful of what was in it1 and gave it to ,nettie with one of her nice crisp rolls4 ,eat that6 she said4 ,i shan't let you go home till you have swallowed that to keep the cold out4 ,it makes me all freeze to look at you4 ,so she filled her own bowl1 and made good play with her spoon1 while between spoonfuls she looked at ,nettie2 and the good little woman smiled in her heart to see how easy it was for ,nettie to obey her4 ,the savoury1 simple1 comforting broth she had set before her was the best thing to the child's delicate stomach that she had tasted for many a day4 ,is it good8 said the ,frenchwoman1 when ,nettie's bowl was half empty4 ,it's so good6 said ,nettie4 ,i didn't know ,i was so hungry4 ,now you will not feel the cold so1 said the ,frenchwoman1 and you will go back quicker4 ,do you like my riz-au-gras8 ,what is it1 ma'am8 said ,nettie4 ,the ,frenchwoman laughed1 and made ,nettie say it over till she could pronounce the words4 ,now you like it1 she said1 that is a ,french dish4 ,do you think ,mrs4 ,mat'ieson would like it8 ,i am sure she would6 said ,nettie4 ,but ,i don't know how to make it4 ,you shall come here1 and ,i will teach it to you4 ,and now you shall carry a little home to your mother1 and ask her if she will do the honour to a ,french dish to approve it4 ,it do not cost anything4 ,i cannot sell much bread the winters2 ,i live on what cost me nothing4 ,while saying this1 ,madame ,auguste had filled a little pail with the riz-au-gras1 and put a couple of her rolls along with it4 ,it must have the ,french bread1 she said2 and she gave it to ,nettie1 who looked quite cheered up1 and very grateful4 ,you are a good little girl6 she said4 ,how keep you always your face looking so happy8 ,there is always one little streak of sunshine here--drawing her finger across above ,nettie's eyebrows--and another here1--and her finger passed over the line of ,nettie's lips4 ,that's because ,i am happy1 ,mrs4 ,august4 ,always8 ,yes1 always4 ,what makes you so happy always8 ,you was just the same in the cold winter out there1 as when you was eating my riz-au-gras4 ,now1 me--,i am cross in the cold1 and not happy4 ,but the ,frenchwoman saw a deeper light come into ,nettie's eyes as she answered1 ,it is because ,i love the ,lord ,jesus1 ,mrs4 ,august1 and ,he makes me happy4 ,you8 said ,madame4 ,my child6 ,what do you say1 ,nettie8 ,i think not ,i have heard you right4 ,yes1 ,mrs4 ,august1 ,i am happy because ,i love ,jesus4 ,i know ,he loves me1 and ,he will take me to be with ,him4 ,not just yet1 said the ,frenchwoman1 ,i hope4 ,well1 ,i wish ,i was so happy as you1 ,nettie4 ,good bye6 ,nettie ran home1 more comforted by her good supper1 and more thankful to the goodness of ,god in giving it1 and happy in the feeling of ,his goodness1 than can be told4 ,and very1 very glad she was of that little tin pail in her hand she knew her mother needed4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson had time to eat the rice broth before her husband came in4 ,she said she would show me how to make it1 said ,nettie1 and it don't cost anything4 ,why1 it's just rice and--what is it8 ,i don't see1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson4 ,it isn't rice and milk4 ,nettie laughed at her mother4 ,mrs4 ,august didn't tell4 ,she called it reeso--,i forget what she called it6 ,it's the best thing ,i ever saw1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson4 ,there--put the pail away4 ,your father's coming4 ,he was in a terrible humour1 as they expected2 and ,nettie and her mother had a sad evening of it4 ,and the same sort of thing lasted for several days4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson hoped that perhaps ,mr4 ,lumber would take into his head to seek lodgings somewhere else1 or1 at least1 that ,mathieson would have been shamed into paying ,jackson's bill2 but neither thing happened4 ,mr4 ,lumber found his quarters too comfortable2 and ,mr4 ,mathieson spent too much of his earnings on drink to find the amount necessary to clear off the scores at the grocer's shop4 ,from that time1 as they could run up no new account1 the family were obliged to live on what they could immediately pay for4 ,that was seldom a sufficient supply2 and so1 in dread of the storms that came whenever their wants touched ,mr4 ,mathieson's own comfort1 ,nettie and her mother denied themselves constantly what they very much needed4 ,the old can sometimes bear this better than the young4 ,nettie grew more delicate1 more thin1 and more feeble every day4 ,it troubled her mother sadly4 ,mr4 ,mathieson could not be made to see it4 ,indeed1 he was little at home except when he was eating4 ,scarce discerning aught before us1 ,on our weary way we go2 ,but one guiding star is o'er us1 ,beaming forth the way to show4 ,watch we1 pray we1 that we sink not1 ,journeying on while yet we can2 ,at a moment when we think not ,we shall meet the ,son of ,man4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,the ,,new ,,blanket4 ,lift up your hands in the sanctuary1 and bless the ,lord4 ,ps4 cxxxiv4 #b4 ,it was very cold up in ,nettie's garret now2 the winter had moved on into the latter part of ,december1 and the frosts were very keen2 and the winter winds seemed to come in at one end of the attic and to just sweep through to the other1 bringing all except the snow with them4 ,even the snow often drifted in through the cracks of the rough wainscoat board1 or under the shutter1 and lay in little white streaks or heaps on the floor1 and never melted4 ,to-night there was no wind1 and ,nettie had left her shutter open1 that she might see the stars as she lay in bed4 ,it did not make much difference in the feeling of the place1 for it was about as cold inside as out2 and the stars were great friends of ,nettie's4 ,how bright they looked down to-night6 ,it was very cold1 and lying awake made ,nettie colder3 she shivered sometimes under all her coverings2 still she lay looking at the stars in that square patch of sky that her shutter-opening gave her to see1 and thinking of the ,golden ,city4 ,they shall hunger no more1 neither thirst any more2 neither shall the sun light on them1 nor any heat4 ,for the ,lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them1 and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters2 and ,god shall wipe all tears from their eyes4 ,his servants shall serve ,him1--thought ,nettie2 and mother will be there1 and ,barry--and ,i shall be there6 and then ,i shall be happy4 ,and ,i am happy now4 ',blessed be the ,lord1 which hath not turned away my prayer1 nor ,his mercy from me6' ,and if that verse went through ,nettie's head once1 it did fifty times3 so did this one1 which the quiet stars seemed to repeat and whisper to her1 ,the ,lord redeemeth the soul of ,his servants1 and none of them that trust in ,him shall be desolate4 ,and though now and then a shiver passed over ,nettie's shoulders with the cold1 she was ready to sing for very gladness and fulness of heart4 ,but lying awake and shivering did not do ,nettie's little body any good2 she looked so very white the next day that it caught even ,mr4 ,mathieson's attention4 ,he reached out his arm and drew ,nettie toward him1 as she was passing between the cupboard and the table4 ,then he looked at her1 but he did not say how she looked4 ,do you know the day after to-morrow is ,christmas ,day8 said he4 ,yes1 ,i know4 ,it's the day when ,christ was born1 said ,nettie4 ,well1 ,i don't know anything about that1 said her father2 but what ,i mean is1 that a week after is ,new ,year4 ,what would you like me to give you1 ,nettie1--hey8 ,nettie stood still for a moment1 then her eyes lighted up4 ,will you give it to me1 father1 if ,i tell you8 ,i don't know4 ,if it is not extravagant1 perhaps ,i will4 ,it will not cost much1 said ,nettie1 earnestly4 ,will you give me what ,i choose1 father1 if it does not cost too much8 ,i suppose ,i will4 ,what is it8 ,father1 you won't be displeased8 ,not ,i6 said ,mr4 ,mathieson1 drawing ,nettie's little form tighter in his grasp3 he thought he had never felt it so slight and thin before4 ,father1 ,i am going to ask you a great thing6--to go to church with me ,new ,year's ,day4 ,to church6 said her father1 frowning2 but he remembered his promise1 and he felt ,nettie in his arms yet4 ,what on earth good will that do you8 ,a great deal of good4 ,it would please me so much1 father4 ,what do you want me to go to church for8 said ,mr4 ,mathieson1 not sure yet what humour he was going to be in4 ,to thank ,god1 father1 that there was a ,christmas1 when ,jesus came1 that we might have a ,new ,year4 ,what--what6 said ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,what are you talking about8 ,because1 father1 said ,nettie1 trembling1 and seizing her chance1 since ,jesus loved us1 and came and died for us1 we all may have a ,new ,year of glory4 ,i shall1 father2 and ,i want you too4 ,oh do1 father6 and ,nettie burst into tears4 ,mr4 ,mathieson held her fast1 and his face showed a succession of changes for a minute or so4 ,but she presently raised her head and kissed him1 and said1 ,may ,i have what ,i want1 father8 ,yes--go along1 said ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,i should like to know how to refuse you1 though4 ,but1 ,nettie1 don't you want me to give you anything else8 ,nothing else6 she told him1 with her face all shining with joy4 ,mr4 ,mathieson looked at her1 and seemed very thoughtful all supper-time4 ,can't you strengthen that child up a bit8 he said to his wife afterwards4 ,she does too much4 ,she does as little as ,i can help1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson1 but she is always at something4 ,i am afraid her room is too cold o' nights4 ,she ain't fit to bear it4 ,it's bitter up there4 ,give her another blanket or quilt1 then1 said her husband4 ,i should think you would see to that4 ,does she say she is cold8 ,no1--never1 except sometimes when ,i see her looking blue1 and ask her4 ,and what does she say then8 ,she says sometimes she is a little cold1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson4 ,well1 do put something more over her1 and have no more of it6 said her husband1 violently4 ,sit still and let the child be cold1 when another covering would make it all right6--and he ended with swearing at her4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson did not dare to tell him that ,nettie's food was not of a sufficiently nourishing kind3 she knew what the answer to that would be2 and she feared that a word more about ,nettie's sleeping-room would be thought an attack upon ,mr4 ,lumber's being in the house4 ,so she was silent4 ,but there came home something for ,nettie in the course of the ,christmas week1 which comforted her a little1 and perhaps quieted ,mr4 ,mathieson too4 ,he brought with him1 on coming home to supper one evening1 a great thick roll of a bundle1 and put it in ,nettie's arms1 telling her that was for her ,new ,year4 ,for me8 said ,nettie1 the colour starting a little into her cheeks4 ,yes1 for you4 ,open it1 and see4 ,so ,nettie did1 with some trouble1 and there tumbled out upon the floor a great heavy warm blanket1 new from the shop4 ,mr4 ,mathieson thought the pink in her cheeks was the prettiest thing he had seen in a long while4 ,is this for me1 father8 ,i mean it to be so4 ,see if it will go on that bed of yours1 and keep you warm4 ,nettie gave her father some very hearty thanks1 which he took in a silent1 pleased way2 and then she hastened off with her blanket upstairs4 ,how thick and warm it was6 and how nicely it would keep her comfortable when she knelt all wrapped up in it on that cold floor6 ,for a little while it would2 not even a warm blanket would keep her from the cold more than a little while at a time up there4 ,but ,nettie tried its powers the first thing she did4 ,did ,mr4 ,mathieson mean the blanket to take the place of his promise8 ,nettie thought of that1 but like a wise child she said nothing at all till the ,sunday morning came4 ,then1 before she set off for ,sunday school1 she came to her father's elbow4 ,father1 ,i'll be home at a quarter after ten2 will you be ready then8 ,ready for what8 said ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,for my ,new ,year's gift1 said ,nettie4 ,you know you promised ,i should go to church with you4 ,did ,i8 ,and ain't you going to take the blanket for your ,new ,year's gift1 and let me off1 ,nettie8 ,no1 father1 to be sure not4 ,i'll be home at a quarter past2 please don't forget4 ,and ,nettie went off to school very thankful and happy1 for her father's tone was not unkind4 ,how glad she was ,new ,year's ,day had come on ,sunday6 ,mr4 ,mathieson was as good as his word4 ,he was ready at the time1 and they walked to the church together4 ,that was a great day to ,nettie4 ,her father and mother going to church in company with her and with each other6 ,and when they got to church1 it seemed as if every word of the prayers1 and of the reading1 and of the hymns1 and of the sermon1 struck on all ,nettie's nerves of hearing and feeling4 ,would her father understand any of those sweet words8 would he feel them8 would they reach him8 ,nettie little thought that what he felt most1 what did reach him1 though he did not thoroughly understand it1 was the look of her own face1 though she never but once dared turn it toward him4 ,there was a little colour in it more than usual2 her eye was deep in its earnestness2 and the grave set of her little mouth was broken up now and then in a way that ,mr4 ,mathieson wanted to watch better than the straight sides of her sun-bonnet would let him4 ,once he thought he saw something more4 ,he walked home very soberly1 and was a good deal on the silent order during the rest of the day4 ,he did not go to church in the afternoon4 ,but in the evening1 as her mother was busy in and out getting supper ready1 and ,mr4 ,lumber had not come in1 ,mr4 ,mathieson called ,nettie to his side4 ,what were you crying for in church this forenoon8 he said low4 ,crying6 said ,nettie1 surprised4 ,was ,i crying8 ,if it wasn't tears ,i saw dropping from under your hands on to the floor1 it must have been some drops of rain that had got there1 and ,i don't see how they could very well4 ,there warn't no rain outside4 ,what was it for1 hey8 ,there came a great flush all over ,nettie's face1 and she did not at once speak4 ,hey8--what was it for8--repeated ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,the flush passed away4 ,nettie spoke very low1 and with lips all of a quiver4 ,i remember4 ,i was thinking1 father1 how 'all things are ready'--and ,i couldn't help wishing that you were ready too4 ,ready for what8 said ,mr4 ,mathieson1 somewhat roughly4 ,all things ready for what8 ,ready for you1 said ,nettie4 ,jesus is ready to love you1 and calls you--and the angels are ready to rejoice for you--and ,i---- ,go on4 ,what of you8 ,nettie lifted her eyes to him4 ,i am ready to rejoice too1 father4 ,but the time of rejoicing was not yet4 ,nettie burst into tears4 ,mr4 ,mathieson was not angry1 yet he flung away from her with a rude ,pshaw6 and that was all the answer she got4 ,but the truth was1 that there was something in ,nettie's look of tenderness1 and purity1 and trembling hope1 that her father's heart could not bear to meet2 and1 what is more1 that he was never able to forget4 ,nettie went about her evening business1 helping her mother1 and keeping back the tears which were very near again2 and ,mr4 ,mathieson began to talk with ,mr4 ,lumber1 and everything was to all appearance just as it had been hitherto4 ,and so it went on after that4 ,well ,i know thy troubles1 ,o ,my servant true6 ,thou art very weary-- ,i was weary too3 ,but that toil shall make thee ,some day all ,mine own2 ,and the end of sorrow ,shall be near ,my throne6 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,the ,,house-,,raising4#a ,in your patience possess ye your souls4--,luke xxi4 #ai4 ,it grew colder and colder in ,nettie's garret--or else she grew thinner and felt it more4 ,she certainly thought it was colder4 ,the snow came1 and piled a thick covering on the roof1 and stopped up some of the chinks in the clapboarding with its white caulking2 and that made the place a little better3 then the winds from off the snow-covered country were keen and bitter4 ,footnote #a3 ,a festival common in ,america on the completion of a house4 ,one morning ,nettie went to ,barry secretly in his room1 and asked him to bring the pail of water from the spring for her4 ,barry had no mind to the job4 ,why can't mother do it1 he said1 if you can't8 ,mother is busy and hasn't a minute4 ,i always do it for her4 ,well1 why can't you go on doing it8 ,you're accustomed to it1 you see1 and ,i don't like going out so early1 said ,barry1 stretching himself4 ,i would1 and ,i wouldn't ask you1 only1 ,barry1 somehow ,i don't think ,i'm quite strong lately1 and ,i can hardly bring the pail--it's so heavy to me4 ,i have to stop and rest ever so many times before ,i can get to the house with it4 ,well1 if you stop and rest1 ,i suppose it won't hurt you1 said ,barry4 ,i should want to stop and rest too1 myself4 ,his little sister was turning away1 giving it up1 when she was met by her father1 who stepped in from the entry4 ,he looked red with anger4 ,you take the pail1 and go get the water6 said he to his son2 and you hear me6 ,don't you let ,nettie bring in another pailful when you're at home1 or ,i'll turn you out of the house4 ,you lazy scoundrel6 ,you don't deserve the bread you eat4 ,would you let her work for you1 when you are as strong as sixty8 ,barry's grumbled words in answer were so very unsatisfactory1 that ,mr4 ,mathieson in a rage advanced towards him with uplifted fist2 but ,nettie sprang in between1 and very nearly caught the blow that was meant for her brother4 ,please1 father1 don't6 she cried2--please1 father1 don't be angry6 ,barry didn't think--he didn't---- ,why didn't he8 said ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,great lazy rascal6 ,he wants to be flogged4 ,oh1 don't6 said ,nettie3 he didn't know why ,i asked him1 or he wouldn't have refused me4 ,why did you1 then8 ,because it made my back ache so to bring it--,i couldn't help asking him4 ,did you ever ask him before8 ,never mind1 please1 father6 said ,nettie1 sweetly4 ,just don't think about me1 and don't be angry with ,barry4 ,it's no matter now4 ,who does think about you8 ,your mother don't1 or she would have seen to this before4 ,mother didn't know my back ached4 ,father1 you know she hasn't a minute3 she is so busy getting breakfast in time2 and she didn't know ,i wasn't strong enough4 ,father1 don't tell her1 please1 ,i asked ,barry4 ,it would worry her so4 ,please don't1 father4 ,you think of folks1 anyhow4 ,you're a regular peacemaker6 exclaimed ,mr4 ,mathieson1 as he turned away and left her4 ,nettie stood still1 the flush paling on her cheek1 her hand pressed to her side4 ,am ,i that8 she thought4 ,shall ,i be that8 ,o ,lord1 my ,saviour1 my dear ,redeemer1 send ,thy peace here6 ,she was still in the same place and position when ,barry came in again4 ,it's wretched work6 he exclaimed1 under his breath1 for his father was in the next room4 ,it's as slippery as the plague going down that path to the water3 it's no use to have legs1 for you can't hold up4 ,i'm all froze stiff with the water ,i've spilt on me6 ,i know it's very slippery1 said ,nettie4 ,and then you can't get at the water when you're there1 without stepping into it--it's filled chuck full of snow and ice all over the edge4 ,it's the most wretched work6 ,i know it1 ,barry1 said ,nettie4 ,i am sorry you have to do it4 ,why did you make me do it1 then8 said he angrily4 ,you got it your own way this time4 ,but never mind2 ,i'll be even with you for it4 ,barry1 said his sister1 please do it just a little while for me1 till ,i get stronger and don't mind2 and as soon as ever ,i can ,i'll do it again4 ,but you don't know how it made me ache all through1 bringing the pail up that path4 ,stuff6 said ,barry4 ,and from that time1 though he did not fail to bring the water in the morning1 yet ,nettie saw he owed her a grudge for it all the day afterward4 ,he was almost always away with his father1 and she had little chance to win him to better feeling4 ,so the winter slowly passed and the spring came4 ,spring months came1 at least2 and now and then1 to be sure1 a sweet spring day1 when all nature softened2 the sun shone mildly1 the birds sang1 the air smelt sweet with the opening buds4 ,there's that house-raising to-morrow1 ,nettie1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson2 it's been on my mind this fortnight past1 and it kills me4 ,why1 mother8 ,i know how it will be1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson3 they'll have a grand set-to after they get it up1 and your father'll be in the first of it2 and ,i somehow feel as if it would be the finishing of him4 ,i wish almost he'd get ill--or anything to keep him away4 ,they make such a time after a house-raising4 ,oh1 mother1 don't wish that1 said ,nettie2 but she began to think how it would be possible to withdraw her father from the frolic with which the day's business would be ended4 ,mr4 ,mathieson was a carpenter1 and a fine workman1 and always had plenty of work1 and was much looked up to among his fellows4 ,nettie began to think whether she could make any effort to keep her father from the dangers into which he was so fond of plunging4 ,hitherto she had done nothing but pray for him3 could she do anything more1 with any chance of good coming of it8 ,she thought and thought1 and resolved that she must try4 ,it did not look hopeful2 there was little she could urge to lure ,mr4 ,mathieson from his drinking companions2 nothing except her own timid affection and the one other thing it was possible to offer him--a good supper4 ,how to get that was not so easy2 but she consulted with her mother4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson said she used in her younger days to know how to make waffles#b1 and ,mr4 ,mathieson used to think they were the best things that ever were made3 now1 if ,mrs4 ,moss1 a neighbour1 would lend her waffle-iron1 and she could get a few eggs1 she believed she could manage it still4 ,footnote #b3 ,waffles1 a species of sweet cake used on such festivals in ,america4 ,but we haven't the eggs1 child1 she said2 and ,i don't believe any power under heaven can get him to come away from that raising frolic4 ,nor did ,nettie4 ,it was to no power under heaven that she trusted4 ,but she must use her means4 ,she easily got the iron from ,mrs4 ,moss4 ,then she borrowed the eggs from ,madame ,auguste1 who in ,lent-time always had them2 then she watched with grave eyes1 and many a heart-prayer the while1 the mixing and making of the waffles4 ,how do you manage the iron1 mother8 ,why1 it is made hot1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson1 very hot1 and buttered2 and then1 when the batter is light1 you pour it in and clap it together1 and put it in the stove4 ,but how can you pour it in1 mother8 ,i don't see how you can fill the iron4 ,why1 you can't1 child2 you fill one half1 and shut it together3 and when it bakes it rises up and fills the other half4 ,you'll see4 ,the first thing ,nettie asked when she came home from school in the afternoon was1 if the waffles were light8 ,she never saw any look better1 ,mrs4 ,mathieson said4 ,but ,i forgot1 child1 we ought to have cinnamon and white sugar to eat on them4 ,it was so that your father used to admire them2 they won't be waffles without sugar and cinnamon4 ,i'm afraid he'll think----but ,i don't believe you'll get him home to think anything about them4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson ended with a sigh4 ,nettie said nothing2 she went round the room1 putting it in particularly nice order1 then set the table4 ,when all that was right1 she went up to her garret1 and knelt down and prayed that ,god would take care of her and bless her errand4 ,she put the whole matter in the ,lord's hands2 then she dressed herself in her hood and cloak1 and went down to her mother4 ,mr4 ,mathieson had not come home to dinner1 being busy with the house-raising2 so they had had no opportunity to invite him1 and ,nettie was now on her way to do it4 ,it's turned a bad afternoon2 ,i'm afraid it ain't fit for you to go1 ,nettie4 ,i don't mind1 said ,nettie4 ,maybe ,i'll get some sugar and cinnamon1 mother1 before ,i come back4 ,well1 you know where the raising is2 it's out on the ,shallonway road1 on beyond ,mrs4 ,august's a good bit4 ,nettie nodded and went out2 and as the door closed on her grave1 sweet little face1 her mother felt a great strain on her heart4 ,she would have been glad to relieve herself by tears1 but it was a dry pain that would not be relieved so4 ,she went to the window and looked out at the weather4 ,lord1 ,thy children guide and keep1 ,as with feeble steps they press ,on the pathway rough and steep1 ,through this weary wilderness4 ,holy ,,jesu1 day by day ,lead us in the narrow way4 ,there are stony ways to tread2 ,give the strength we sorely lack4 ,there are tangled paths to thread2 ,light us1 lest we miss the track4 ,holy ,,jesu1 day by day ,lead us in the narrow way4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,the ,,waffles4 ,my thoughts are not your thoughts1 neither are your ways my ways1 saith the ,lord4--,isaiah lv4 #h4 ,the early part of the day had been brilliant and beautiful2 then1 ,march-like1 it had changed about1 gathered up a whole skyful of clouds1 and turned at last to snowing4 ,the large feathery flakes were falling now fast2 melting as fast as they fell2 making everything wet and chill1 in the air and under the foot4 ,nettie had no overshoes3 she was accustomed to get her feet wet very often1 so that was nothing new4 ,she hugged herself in her brown cloak1 on which the beautiful snow-flakes rested white a moment and then melted away1 gradually wetting the covering of her arms and shoulders in a way that would reach through by-and-bye4 ,nettie thought little of it4 ,what was she thinking of8 ,she was comforting herself with the thought of that strong and blessed ,friend who has promised to be always with ,his servants1 and remembering ,his promise1 ,they shall not be ashamed that wait for me4 ,what did the snow and the wet matter to ,nettie8 ,yet she looked too much like a snow-flake herself when she reached ,mr4 ,jackson's store and went in4 ,the white frost had lodged all round her old black silk hood1 and even edged the shoulders of her brown cloak2 and the white little face within looked just as pure4 ,mr4 ,jackson looked at her with more than usual attention2 and when ,nettie asked him if he would let her have a shilling's-worth of fine white sugar and cinnamon1 and trust her till the next week for the money1 he made not the slightest difficulty1 but measured or weighed it out for her directly1 and even said he would trust her for more than that4 ,so ,nettie thanked him1 and went on to the less easy part of her errand4 ,her heart began to beat a little bit now4 ,the feathery snowflakes fell thicker1 and made everything wetter than ever2 it was very raw and chill1 and few people were abroad4 ,nettie went on1 past the little bake-woman's house1 and past all the thickly built part of the village4 ,then came houses more scattered--large handsome houses1 with beautiful gardens and grounds1 and handsome palings along the road-side4 ,past one or two of these1 and then there was a space of wild ground2 and here ,mr4 ,jackson was putting up a new house for himself1 and meant to have a fine place4 ,the wild bushes grew in a thick hedge along by the fence1 but over the tops of them ,nettie could see the new timbers of the frame that the carpenters had been raising that day4 ,she went on till she came to an opening in the hedge and fence as well1 and then the new building was close before her4 ,the men were at work yet1 finishing their day's business2 the sound of hammering rang sharp on all sides of the frame2 some were up on the ladders1 some were below4 ,nettie walked slowly up and then round the place1 searching for her father4 ,at last she found him4 ,he and ,barry1 who was learning his father's trade1 were on the ground at one side of the frame1 busy as bees4 ,talking was going on roundly too1 as well as hammering1 and ,nettie drew near and stood a few minutes without any one noticing her4 ,she was not in a hurry to interrupt the work nor to tell her errand3 she waited4 ,barry saw her first1 but ungraciously would not speak to her nor for her4 ,if she was there for anything1 he said to himself1 it was for some spoil-sport2 and one pail of water a day was enough for him4 ,mr4 ,mathieson was looking the other way4 ,i say1 ,mathieson1 called one of the men from the inside of the frame1 ,i s'pose 'tain't worth carrying any of this stuff--,jackson'll have enough without it8 ,the words were explained1 to ,nettie's horror1 by a jug in the man's hands1 which he lifted to his lips4 ,jackson will do something handsome in that way to-night1 said ,nettie's father2 or he'll not do as he's done by1 such a wet evening4 ,but ,i've stood to my word1 and ,i expect he'll stand to his'n4 ,he gave his word there was to be oysters1 warn't it8 called another man1 from the top of the ladder4 ,punch and oysters1 said ,mathieson1 hammering away1 or ,i've raised the last frame ,i ever will raise for him4 ,i expect he'll stand it4 ,oysters ain't much 'count1 said another speaker4 ,i'd rather have a slice of good sweet pork any day4 ,father1 said ,nettie4 ,she had come close up to him1 but she trembled4 ,what possible chance could she have8 ,holloa6 said ,mr4 ,mathieson1 turning suddenly4 ,nettie6--what's the matter1 girl8 ,he spoke roughly1 and ,nettie saw that his face was red4 ,she trembled all over1 but spoke as bravely as she could4 ,father1 ,i am come to invite you home to supper to-night4 ,mother and ,i have a particular reason to want to see you4 ,will you come8 ,come where8 said ,mr4 ,mathieson1 but half understanding her4 ,come home to tea1 father4 ,i came to ask you4 ,mother has made something you like4 ,i'm busy1 child4 ,go home4 ,i'm going to supper at ,jackson's4 ,go home4 ,he turned to his hammering again4 ,but ,nettie stood still in the snow and waited4 ,father1 she said1 after a minute1 coming yet closer and speaking more low4 ,what6 ain't you gone8 exclaimed ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,father1 said ,nettie1 softly1 mother has made waffles for you2 and you used to like them so much1 she says2 and they are light and beautiful1 and just ready to bake4 ,won't you come and have them with us8 ,mother says they'll be very nice4 ,why didn't she make 'em another time1 grumbled ,barry1 when we weren't going to punch and oysters8 ,that's a better game4 ,if ,mathieson had not been drinking1 he might have been touched by the sight of ,nettie2 so very white and delicate her little face looked1 trembling and eager1 within that border of her black hood1 on which the snow crystals lay1 a very doubtful and unwholesome embroidery4 ,she looked as if she was going to melt and disappear like one of them2 and perhaps ,mr4 ,mathieson did feel the effect of her presence1 but he felt it only to be vexed and irritated2 and ,barry's suggestion fell into ready ground4 ,i tell you1 go home6 he said1 roughly4 ,what are you doing here8 ,i tell you ,i'm not coming home--,i'm engaged to supper to-night1 and ,i'm not going to miss it for any fool's nonsense4 ,go home6 ,nettie's lip trembled1 but that was all the outward show of the agitation within4 ,she would not have delayed to obey if her father had been quite himself2 but in his present condition she thought perhaps the next word might undo the last2 she could not go without another trial4 ,she waited an instant1 and again said softly and pleadingly1 ,father1 ,i've been and got cinnamon and sugar for you1--all ready4 ,cinnamon and sugar-- he cursed with a great oath2 and turning1 gave ,nettie a violent push from him1 which was half a blow4 ,go home6 he repeated--go home and mind your own business1 and don't take it upon you to mind mine4 ,nettie reeled1 staggered1 and coming blindly against one or two timbers that lay on the ground1 she fell heavily over them4 ,nobody saw her2 but that her father should have laid a rough hand on her hurt her sorely2 it hurt her bitterly4 ,he had never done so before2 and the cause why he came to do it now rather made it more sorrowful than less so to ,nettie's mind4 ,she could not help a few salt tears from falling2 and for a moment ,nettie's faith trembled4 ,feeling weak1 and broken1 and miserable1 the thought came coldly across her mind1 would the ,lord not hear her1 after all8 ,it was but a moment of faith-trembling1 but it made her ill4 ,there was more to do that3 the push and fall over the timbers had jarred her more than she knew at the moment4 ,nettie walked slowly back on her road till she neared the shop of ,madame ,auguste1 then she felt herself growing very ill1 and just reached the ,frenchwoman's door to faint away on her steps4 ,she did not remain there two seconds4 ,madame ,auguste had seen her go by an hour before1 and now sat at her window looking out to amuse herself1 but with a special intent to see and waylay that pale child on her repassing the house4 ,she saw the little black hood reappear1 and started to open the door1 just in time to see ,nettie fall down at her threshold4 ,as instantly1 two willing arms were put under her1 and lifted up the child and bore her into the house4 ,then ,madame took off her hood1 touched her lips with brandy1 and her brow with ,cologne water1 and chafed her hands4 ,she had laid ,nettie on the floor of the inner room1 and put a pillow under her head2 the strength which had brought her so far having failed there1 and proved unequal to lift her again and put her on the bed4 ,nettie presently came to1 opened her eyes1 and looked at her nurse4 ,why1 my ,nettie1 said the little woman1 what is this1 my child8 what is the matter with you8 ,i don't know4 ,but ,i must go home6 said ,nettie1 trying to raise herself4 ,mother will want me--she'll want me4 ,you will lie still1 like a good child1 said her friend1 gently putting her back on her pillow2 and ,i will find some person to carry you home--or some person what will bring your mother here4 ,i will go see if ,i can find some one now4 ,you lie still1 ,nettie4 ,nettie lay still1 feeling weak after that exertion of trying to raise herself4 ,she was quite restored now1 and her first thoughts were of grief that she had for a moment failed to trust fully the ,lord's promises4 ,she fully trusted them now4 ,let her father do what he would1 let things look as dark as they might1 ,nettie felt sure that the rewarder of them that diligently seek ,him had a blessing in store for her4 ,bible words1 sweet and long loved and rested on1 came to her mind1 and ,nettie rested on them with perfect rest4 ,for ,he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted2 neither hath ,he hid ,his face from him2 but when he cried unto ,him1 ,he heard4 ,our heart shall rejoice in ,him1 because we have trusted in ,his holy name4 ,prayer for forgiveness1 and a thanksgiving of great peace1 filled ,nettie's heart all the while the ,frenchwoman was gone4 ,meanwhile ,madame ,auguste had been looking into the street1 and seeing nobody out in the wet snow1 she rushed back to ,nettie4 ,nettie was like herself now1 only very pale4 ,i must have cut my lip somehow1 she said2 there's blood on my handkerchief4 ,how did ,i come in here8 ,blood6 said the ,frenchwoman2 where did you cut yourself1 ,nettie8 ,let me look6 ,which she did1 with a face so anxious and eager that ,nettie smiled at her4 ,her own brow was as quiet and placid as ever it was4 ,how did ,i get in here1 ,mrs4 ,august8 ,the ,frenchwoman1 however1 did not answer her4 ,instead of which she went to her cupboard and got a cup and spoon1 and then from a little saucepan on the stove dipped out some riz-au-gras again4 ,what did you have for dinner1 ,nettie8 you did not tell me4 ,not much--,i wasn't hungry1 said ,nettie4 ,oh1 ,i must get up and go home to mother4 ,you shall eat something first1 said her friend2 and she raised ,nettie's head upon another pillow1 and began to feed her with the spoon4 ,it is good for you4 ,you must take it4 ,where is your father8 ,don't talk1 but tell me4 ,i will do everything right4 ,he is at work on ,mr4 ,jackson's new house4 ,is he there to-day8 ,yes4 ,madame ,auguste gave her all the broth in the cup1 then bade her keep still1 and went to the shop window4 ,it was time for the men to be quitting work1 she knew2 she watched for the carpenters to come1--if they were not gone by already6--how should she know8 ,even as she thought this1 a sound of rude steps and men's voices came from down the road2 and the ,frenchwoman went to her door and opened it4 ,the men came along1 a scattered group of four or five4 ,is ,mr4 ,mat'ieson there8 she said4 ,madame ,auguste hardly knew him by sight4 ,men1 ,i say6 is ,mr4 ,mat'ieson there8 ,george1 that's you2 you're wanted1 said one of the group1 looking back2 and a fine-looking tall man paused at ,madame's threshold4 ,are you ,mr4 ,mat'ieson8 said the ,frenchwoman4 ,yes1 ma'am4 ,that's my name4 ,will you come in8 ,i have something to speak to you4 ,your little daughter ,nettie is very ill4 ,ill6 exclaimed the man4 ,nettie6--,where is she8 ,she is here4 ,hush6 you must not say nothing to her1 but she is very ill4 ,she is come fainting at my door1 and ,i have got her in here2 but she wants to go home1 and ,i think you had better tell her she will not go home1 but she will stay here with me to-night4 ,where is she8 said ,mr4 ,mathieson2 and he stepped in with so little ceremony that the mistress of the house gave way before him4 ,he looked round the shop4 ,she is not here--you shall see her--but you must not tell her she is ill1 said the ,frenchwoman1 anxiously4 ,where is she8 repeated ,mr4 ,mathieson1 with a tone and look which made ,madame ,auguste afraid he would burst the doors if she did not open them4 ,she opened the inner door without further preparation1 and ,mr4 ,mathieson walked in4 ,by the fading light he saw ,nettie lying on the floor at his feet4 ,he was thoroughly himself now2 sobered in more ways than one4 ,he stood still when he had got there1 and spoke not a word4 ,father1 said ,nettie1 softly4 ,he stooped down over her4 ,what do you want1 ,nettie8 ,can't ,i go home8 ,she must better not go home to-night1 began ,madame ,auguste1 earnestly1 it is so wet and cold6 ,she will stay here with me to-night1 ,mr4 ,mat'ieson4 ,you will tell her that it is best4 ,but ,nettie said1 ,please let me go home6 mother will be so troubled4 ,she spoke little1 for she felt weak2 but her father saw her very eager in the request4 ,he stooped and put his strong arms under her1 and lifted her up4 ,have you got anything to put over her8 he said1 looking round the room4 ,i'll fetch it back4 ,seeing that the matter was quite taken out of her hands1 the kind little ,frenchwoman was very quick in her arrangements4 ,she put on ,nettie's head a warm hood of her own2 then round her and over her she wrapped a thick woollen counterpane1 that to be sure would have let no snow through if the distance to be travelled had been twice as far4 ,as she folded and arranged the thick stuff round ,nettie's head1 so as to shield even her face from the outer air1 she said1 half whispering1 ,i would not tell nothing to mother about your lip2 it is not much4 ,i wish ,i could keep you4 ,now she is ready1 ,mr4 ,mat'ieson4 ,and ,mr4 ,mathieson stalked out of the house and strode along the road with firm1 swift steps1 till1 past ,jackson's1 and past the turning1 he came to his own door1 and carried ,nettie upstairs4 ,he never said a word the whole way4 ,nettie was too muffled up and too feeble to speak2 so the first word was when he had come in and sat down in a chair1 which he did with ,nettie still in his arms4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson1 standing white and silent1 waited to see what was the matter2 she had no power to ask a question4 ,her husband unfolded the counterpane that was wrapped round ,nettie's head2 and there she was1 looking very like her usual self1 only exceedingly pale4 ,as soon as she caught sight of her mother's face1 ,nettie would have risen and stood up1 but her father's arms held her fast4 ,what do you want1 ,nettie8 he asked4 ,it was the first word4 ,nothing1 father1 said ,nettie1 only lay me on the bed1 please2 and then you and mother have supper4 ,mr4 ,mathieson took her to the bed and laid her gently down1 removing the wet counterpane which was round her4 ,what is the matter8 faltered ,mrs4 ,mathieson4 ,nothing much1 mother1 said ,nettie1 quietly2 only ,i was a little ill4 ,won't you bake the waffles and have supper8 ,what will you have8 said her father4 ,nothing--,i've had something4 ,i feel nicely now1 said ,nettie4 ,mother1 won't you have supper1 and let me see you8 ,mrs4 ,mathieson's strength had well-nigh deserted her2 but ,nettie's desire was urgent1 and seeing that her husband had seated himself by the bed-side1 and seemed to have no idea of being anywhere but at home that evening1 she at length gathered up her faculties to do what was the best thing to be done1 and went about preparing the supper4 ,nettie's eyes watched her1 and ,mr4 ,mathieson1 when he thought himself safe1 watched her4 ,he did not look like the same man1 so changed and sobered was the expression of his face4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson was devoured by fear1 even in observing this2 but ,nettie was exceedingly happy4 ,she did not feel anything but weakness2 and she lay on her pillow watching the waffles baked and sugared1 and then watching them eaten1 wondering and rejoicing within herself at the way in which her father had been brought to eat his supper there at home after all4 ,she was the only one that enjoyed anything1 though her father and mother ate to please her4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson had asked an account of ,nettie's illness1 and got a very unsatisfactory one4 ,she had been faint1 her husband said2 he had found her at ,mrs4 ,auguste's1 and brought her home2 that was about all4 ,after supper he came and sat by ,nettie again1 and said she was to sleep there1 and he would go up and take ,nettie's place in the attic4 ,nettie in vain said she was well enough to go upstairs2 her father cut the question short1 and bade ,mrs4 ,mathieson go up and get anything ,nettie wanted4 ,when she had left the room he stooped his head down to ,nettie and said low1 ,what was that about your lip8 ,nettie started3 she thought he would fancy it had it been done1 if done at all1 when he gave her the push at the frame-house4 ,but she did not1 dare not1 answer4 ,she said it was only that she had found a little blood on her handkerchief1 and supposed she might have cut her lip when she fell on ,mrs4 ,auguste's threshold1 when she had fainted4 ,show me your handkerchief1 said her father4 ,nettie obeyed4 ,he looked at it1 and looked close at her lips1 to find where they might have been wounded2 and ,nettie was sorry to see how much he felt1 for he even looked pale himself as he turned away from her4 ,but he was as gentle and kind as he could be6 ,nettie had never seen him so2 and when he went off up to bed1 and ,nettie was drawn into her mother's arms to go to sleep1 she was very1 very happy4 ,but she did not tell her hopes or her joys to her mother2 she only told her thanks to the ,lord2 and that she did till she fell asleep4 ,the next morning ,nettie was well enough to get up and dress herself4 ,that was all she was suffered to do by father or mother4 ,mr4 ,mathieson sent ,barry for water and wood1 and himself looked after the fire while ,mrs4 ,mathieson was busy2 all the rest he did was to take ,nettie in his arms and sit holding her till breakfast was ready4 ,he did not talk1 and he kept ,barry quiet3 he was like a different man4 ,nettie1 feeling indeed very weak1 could only sit with her head on her father's shoulder1 and wonder1 and think1 and repeat quiet prayers in her heart4 ,she was very pale yet1 and it distressed ,mr4 ,mathieson to see that she could not eat4 ,so he laid her on the bed when he was going to his work1 and told her she was to stay there and be still1 and he would bring her something good when he came home4 ,he was as good as his word1 and at night brought home some oysters1 to tempt ,nettie's appetite2 but it was much more to her that he stayed quietly at home1 and never made a move towards going out4 ,eating was not in ,nettie's line just now2 the kind little ,frenchwoman had been to see her in the course of the day1 and brought some delicious rolls and a jug of riz-au-gras1 which was what seemed to suit ,nettie's appetite best of all4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,the ,,golden ,,city4 ,blessed are the peacemakers4--,matt4 v4 #i4 ,several days went on4 ,she did not feel ill1 and she was a little stronger2 but appetite and colour were wanting4 ,her father would not let her do anything2 he would not let her go up to her garret to sleep1 though ,nettie pleaded for it1 fearing he must be uncomfortable4 ,he said it was fitter for him than for her1 though he made faces about it4 ,he always came home and stayed at home now1 and especially attended to ,nettie2 his wages came home too1 and he brought every day something to try to tempt her to eat2 and he was quiet and grave and kind--not the same person4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson1 in the midst of all her distress about ,nettie1 began to draw some free breaths4 ,but her husband thought only of his child--unless1 perhaps1 of himself--and drew none4 ,regularly after supper he would draw ,nettie to his arms1 and sit with her head upon his shoulder2 silent generally1 only he would sometimes ask her what she would like4 ,the first time he put this inquiry when ,mr4 ,lumber was out of the way1 ,nettie answered by asking him to read to her4 ,mr4 ,mathieson hesitated a little1 not unkindly1 and then read--a chapter in the ,bible1 of course1 for ,nettie wished to hear nothing else4 ,and after that he often read to her2 for ,mr4 ,lumber kept up his old habits and preferred livelier company1 and so was always out in the evenings4 ,so several days passed2 and when ,saturday came1 ,mr4 ,mathieson lost half a day's work1 and took a long walk to a farm where the people kept pigeons1 and brought home one for ,nettie's supper4 ,however1 she could fancy but little of it4 ,what shall ,i do for you8 said her father4 ,you go round like a shadow1 and you don't eat much more4 ,what shall ,i do that you would like8 ,this time there was nobody in the room4 ,nettie lifted her head from his shoulders and met his eyes1 ,if you would come to ,jesus1 father6 ,what does that mean1 ,nettie8 ,you know ,i don't know4 ,it means1 father1 that ,jesus is holding out ,his hand with a promise to you4 ,now1 if you will take the promise1--that is all4 ,what is the promise1 ,nettie8 ,nettie waited1 gathered breath1 for the talk made her heart beat1 and then said1 ',this is the promise that ,he hath promised us1 even eternal life4' ,how can a sinful man take such a promise8 said ,mr4 ,mathieson1 with suppressed feeling4 ,that is for people like you1 ,nettie1 not me4 ,oh1 ,jesus1 has bought it6 cried ,nettie2 it's free4 ,it's without price4 ,you may have it if you'll believe in ,him and love ,him1 father4--,i can't talk4 ,she had talked too much1 or the excitement had been too strong for her4 ,her words were broken off by coughing1 and she remarked that her lip must have bled again4 ,her father laid her on the bed1 and from that time for a number of days she was kept as quiet as possible2 for her strength had failed anew1 and yet more than at first4 ,for two weeks she hardly moved from the bed4 ,but except that she was so very pale1 she did not look very ill2 her face wore just its own patient and happy expression4 ,her father would not now let her talk to him2 but he did everything she asked4 ,he read to her in the ,bible2 ,nettie would turn over the leaves to the place she wanted1 and then point it out to him with a look of life1 and love1 and pleasure1 that were like a whole sermon2 and her father read first that sermon and then the chapter4 ,he went to church as she asked him2 and without her asking him1 after the first ,sunday4 ,nettie stayed at home on the bed1 and sang psalms in her heart4 ,after those two weeks there was a change for the better4 ,nettie felt stronger1 looked more as she used to look1 and got up and even went about a little4 ,the weather was changing too1 now4 ,april days were growing soft and green2 trees budding and grass freshening up1 and birds all alive in the branches2 and above all1 the air and the light1 the wonderful soft breath of spring1 and sunshine of spring1 made people forget that winter had ever been harsh or severe4 ,nettie went out and took little walks in the sun which seemed to do her good2 and she begged so hard to be allowed to go to her garret again1 that her father took pity on her1 sent ,mr4 ,lumber away1 and gave her her old nice little room on the same floor with the others4 ,her mother cleaned it and put it in order1 and ,nettie felt too happy when she found herself mistress of it again1 and possessed of a quiet place where she could read and pray alone4 ,with windows open1 how sweetly the spring walked in there1 and made it warm1 and bright1 and fragrant too6 ,nettie wished she could sing1 for she had often seen singing comfort her mother2 but she had not the power to-day4 ,she gave her the best she could4 ,her words1 however1 constantly carried hurt and healing together to her mother's mind4 ,but when ,nettie went on to repeat softly the verse of a hymn that follows1 she was soothed1 notwithstanding the hinted meaning in the words4 ,so sweet was the trust of the hymn1 so unruffled the trust of the speaker4 ,the words were from a little bit of a book of translations of ,german hymns which ,mr4 ,folke1 her ,sunday-school teacher1 had brought her1 and which was never out of ,nettie's hand4 ,as ,,god leads me1 so my heart ,in faith shall rest4 ,no grief nor fear my soul shall part ,from ,,jesus' breast4 ,in sweet belief ,i know ,what way my life doth go2 ,since ,,god permitteth so1 ,that must be best4 ,slowly she said the words1 with her usual sober1 placid face2 and ,mrs4 ,mathieson was mute4 ,for some weeks1 as the spring breathed warmer and warmer1 ,nettie revived2 so much that her mother at times felt encouraged about her4 ,mr4 ,mathieson was never deceived4 ,whether his former neglect of his child had given him particular keenness of vision in all that concerned her now1 or for whatever reason1 he saw well enough1 and saw constantly1 that ,nettie was going to leave him4 ,there was never a wish of hers uncared for now2 there was not a straw suffered to lie in her path1 that he could take out of it4 ,he went to church1 and he read at home2 he changed his behaviour to her mother as well as to herself1 and he brought ,barry to his bearings4 ,what more did ,nettie want8 ,one ,sunday1 late in ,may1 her father came into her room to see her4 ,he kissed her1 and said a few words1 and then went to the window and stood there looking out4 ,both were silent for some time1 while the birds sang on4 ,father1 said ,nettie4 ,he turned instantly1 and asked her what she wanted4 ,father1 said ,nettie1 the streets of the heavenly city are all of gold4 ,well1 said he1 meeting her grave eyes1 and what then1 ,nettie8 ,only ,i was thinking1 if the streets are gold1 how clean must the feet be that walk on them6 ,he knew what her intent eyes meant1 and he sat down by her bed-side and laid his face in his hands4 ,i am a sinful man1 ,nettie6 he said4 ,father1 'this is a faithful saying1 that ,jesus ,christ came into the world to save sinners4' ,i don't deserve ,he should save me1 ,nettie4 ,well1 father1 ask ,him to save you1 because you don't deserve it4 ,what sort of a prayer would that be8 ,the right one1 father2 for ,jesus does deserve it1 and for ,his sake is the only way4 ,if you deserved it1 you wouldn't want ,jesus2 but now ',he is our peace4' ,oh1 father1 listen1 listen to what the ,bible says4 ,she had been turning the leaves of her ,bible1 and read low and earnestly1 ',now we are ambassadors for ,god1 as though ,god did beseech you by us2 we pray you1 in ,christ's stead1 be ye reconciled to ,god4' ,oh1 father1 aren't you willing to be reconciled to ,him8 ,god knows ,i am willing6 said ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,he is willing1 ,i am sure1 said ,nettie4 ,there was a long silence4 ,mr4 ,mathieson never stirred4 ,nor ,nettie hardly4 ,the words were true of her1--,he that believeth shall not make haste4 ,she waited1 looking at him4 ,then he said1 ,what must ,i do1 ,nettie8 ,believe on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,how1 child8 ,father1 the best way is to ask ,him1 and ,he will tell you how4 ,if you are only willing to be ,his servant1 if you are willing to give yourself to the ,lord ,jesus--are you willing1 father8 ,i am willing--anything6--if ,he will have me1 said ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,then go1 father6 said ,nettie1 eagerly1 go and ask ,him1 and ,he will teach you how2 ,he will6 ,he has promised4 ,go1 father1 and ask the ,lord--will you8 ,go now4 ,her father remained still a moment--then he rose up and went out of the room1 and she heard his steps going up to the unused attic4 ,nettie crossed her hands upon her breast1 and smiled4 ,she was too much exhausted to pray otherwise than with a thought4 ,then slumber stole over her1 and she slept sweetly and quietly while the hours of the summer afternoon rolled away4 ,her mother watched beside her for a long while before she awoke1 and during that time read surely in ,nettie's delicate cheek and too delicate colour what was the sentence of separation4 ,she read it1 and smothered the cry of her heart1 for ,nettie's sake4 ,the sun was descending toward the western hill country1 and long level rays of light were playing in the tree-tops1 when ,nettie awoke4 ,are you there1 mother8 she said--and is the ,sunday so near over8 ,how ,i have slept6 ,how do you feel1 dear8 ,why1 ,i feel well1 said ,nettie4 ,it has been a good day4 ,the gold is all in the air here--not in the streets4 ,she had half raised herself1 and was sitting looking out of the window4 ,do you think of that city all the time8 inquired ,mrs4 ,mathieson1 half jealously4 ,mother1 said ,nettie1 slowly1 still looking out at the sunlight1 would you be very sorry1 and very much surprised1 if ,i were to go there before long8 ,i should not be very much surprised1 ,nettie1 answered her mother1 in a tone that told all the rest4 ,her child's eye turned to her sorrowfully and understandingly4 ,you'll not be very long before you'll be there too1 she said4 ,now kiss me1 mother4 ,could ,mrs4 ,mathieson help it8 ,she took ,nettie in her arms1 but instead of the required kiss1 there came a burst of passion that bowed her head in convulsive grief against her child's breast4 ,ashamed of her giving way1 ,mrs4 ,mathieson checked herself and dried her tears4 ,nettie lay down wearily4 ,i will stay here1 mother1 she said1 till tea is ready2 and then ,i will come4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson went to attend to it4 ,when ,nettie went into the other room1 her father was sitting there4 ,she said nothing1 however1 and even for some time did not look in his face to see what he might have to say to her4 ,she took a cup of tea and a biscuit1 and ate an egg that her mother had boiled for her4 ,it was when supper was over1 and they had moved from the table1 and ,mrs4 ,mathieson was busy about1 that ,nettie turned her eyes once more upon her father1 with their soft1 full inquiry4 ,he looked grave1 subdued1 tender--she had heard that in his voice already2 not as she had ever seen him look before4 ,he met her eyes and answered them4 ,i understand it now1 ,nettie1 he said2 then drew her close within his arms2 and without one word ,nettie sat there1 till for very happiness and weariness she fell asleep1 and he carried her to her room4 ,there was a great calm fell upon the family for a little time thereafter4 ,it was like one of those spring days that were past--full of misty light1 and peace1 and hope1 and promise4 ,it was a breath of rest4 ,but they knew it would end--for a time2 and one summer day the end came4 ,it was a ,sunday again1 and again ,nettie was lying on her bed1 enjoying in her weakness the loveliness of the air and beauty without4 ,her mother was with her1 and knew that she had been failing very fast for some days4 ,nettie knew it too4 ,how soon do you think father will be home8 she said4 ,not before another hour1 ,i think1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson4 ,why1 what of it1 ,nettie8 ,nothing---- said ,nettie1 doubtfully4 ,i'd like him to come4 ,it won't be long1 said her mother4 ,mother1 ,i am going to give you my little dear hymn-book1 said ,nettie presently2 and ,i want to read you a hymn now1 and then you will think of me when you read it4 ,may ,i8 ,read1 said ,mrs4 ,mathieson2 and she put up her hand to hide her face from ,nettie4 ,nettie did not look1 however2 her eyes were on her hymn1 and she read it1 low and sweetly--very sweetly--through4 ,there was no tremor in her voice1 but now and then a little accent of joy or a shade of tenderness4 ,mrs4 ,mathieson's head bowed as the hymn went on1 but she dared not give way to tears1 and ,nettie's manner half awed and half charmed her into quietness4 ,when the reading ceased1 and ,mrs4 ,mathieson felt that she could look toward ,nettie again1 she saw that the book had fallen from her hand1 and that she was almost fainting4 ,alarmed1 instantly she called for help1 and got one of the inmates of the house to go after ,mr4 ,mathieson4 ,but ,nettie sank so fast1 they were afraid he would not come in time4 ,the messenger came back without having been able to find him2 for after the close of the services in the church ,mr4 ,mathieson had gone out of his way on an errand of kindness4 ,nettie herself was too low to ask for him1 if indeed she was conscious he was not there4 ,they could not tell2 she lay without taking any notice4 ,but just as the last rays of the sun were bright in the leaves of the trees and on the hills in the distance1 ,mr4 ,mathieson's step was heard4 ,one of the neighbours met him and told him what he must expect2 and he came straight to ,nettie's room4 ,and when he bent down over her and spoke1 ,nettie knew his voice1 and opened her eyes1 and once more smiled4 ,it was like a smile from another country4 ,her eyes were fixed on him4 ,mr4 ,mathieson bent yet nearer and put his lips to hers2 then he tried to speak4 ,my little peacemaker1 what shall ,i do without you8 ,nettie drew a long1 long breath4 ,peace--is--made6 she slowly said4 ,and the peacemaker was gone4 ,there's a rest for little children4 ,above the bright blue sky1 ,who love the blessed ,saviour1 ,and to ,his ,father cry1 ,a rest from every trouble1 ,from sin and danger free1 ,there every little pilgrim ,shall rest eternally4 ,there's a home for little children1 ,above the bright blue sky1 ,where ,,jesus reigns in glory1 ,a home of peace and joy2 ,no home on earth is like it1 ,nor can with it compare1 ,for every one is happy1 ,nor can be happier there4 ,there are crowns for little children1 ,above the bright blue sky2 ,and all who look to ,,jesus ,shall wear them by-and-bye1 ,yea1 crowns of brightest glory1 ,which ,he shall sure bestow ,on all who love the ,saviour ,and walk with ,him below4 ,,transcriber',s ,,note ,hyphenation is inconsistent1 and some of the punctuation is non-standard4 ,the helpful ,french lady appears as ,madame ,auguste in the narrative1 but as ,mrs4 ,august when she is addressed in ,english4 ,one instance of ,mathison was changed to match all the ,mathiesons4 ,one additional change was made to the text3 ,that would make the fire worse1 said one of girls4 now reads3 ,that would make the fire worse1 said one of the girls4